The Los Angeles Lakers need perimeter shooting, and that is not hard to see. Whenever a franchise has two cornerstones like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, surrounding them with three-point marksmen is the best way to play the game on offense. The two stars simply garner too much attention as they require double teams on almost every possession.
The Lakers did an admirable job of acquiring quality 3-and-D players who can hit the outside shot and defend the perimeter. At least that’s what they thought. Danny Green is one of the most streaky shooters in the NBA, with the capability of going off on one night and then missing every shot he takes the next. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is the same way, while guys like J.R. Smith and Dion Waiters have always been known to be streaky.
The Lakers need more perimeter shooting at a consistent level, and luckily there are plenty in today’s NBA. By offering a trade package centered around Kyle Kuzma, Danny Green, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Avery Bradley, and the 2027 First Round Pick; the Lakers can acquire some quality shooting.
Here are the 5 main trade targets for the Lakers next season.
5. Bogdan Bogdanovic
15.1 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 3.4 APG, 37.2% 3-pt FG, 44.0% FG
Bogdan Bogdanovic has been linked to the Los Angeles Lakers all season long. He’s exactly the type of role player that LeBron James needs because he can defend multiple positions and has a great outside shot. Bogdanovic is also a low maintenance guy and seems to have the right attitude to be effective every night.
Bogdanovic won’t come in and be an All-Star, but he will make an immediate impact with his shot-making and defense. Bogdan is a restricted Free Agent, meaning the Kings will be able to re-sign him if they match the offer the Lakers give him. It might be a tough sell, but the Lakers can acquire Bogdanovic if they really need him.
4. Davis Bertans
15.4 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.7 APG, 42.4% 3-pt FG, 43.4% FG
Bertans made a name for himself as a valued member of the San Antonio Spurs. Before he got offered a big-money contract, it seemed Gregg Popovich had found another gym. Bertans wasn’t extremely athletic or defensively sound, but he could shoot the lights out.
After steady improvements in his game, Bertans had another good year this season putting up 15.4 PPG on over 42% shooting from deep. The Lakers need consistent shooting, and Bertans gives exactly that.
3. J.J. Redick
15.3 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 2.0 APG, 45.3% 3-pt FG, 45.3% FG
Whenever you think of the all-time consistent shooters, Redick’s name always comes up. As a Duke legend, Redick entered the league with the ability to splash jumpers. All his career, it has been that way and it will never change.
Whether coming off screens or finding himself open in corners, Redick is one of the best shooters in NBA history. His 45.3% from deep this season is ridiculous, and his absence can be clear to see for the Philadelphia 76ers. If the Lakers acquire Redick, they have a massive piece on their roster that can make shots during crunch time.
2. Evan Fournier
18.5 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 3.2 APG, 39.9% 3-pt FG, 46.7% FG
Evan Fournier’s stats might be a bit inflated by playing for a team without many scorers, but he is a good shooter from deep. He can get streaky, but he has the ability to make shots when he is on fire. He also had the ability to create his own shot at times, which can be of great use to a LeBron James-Anthony Davis heavy offense.
Fournier can legitimately be a third option for the Lakers because he can score and shoot it better than most Lakers players right now. Fournier is not a star, but he will be an excellent addition for the Lakers because he is a better player than any role players on their squad right now.
1. Bradley Beal
30.5 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 6.1 APG, 35.3% 3-pt FG, 45.5% FG
Without a doubt, the Lakers dream trade is Bradley Beal. If the Lakers had him on the squad this season, there would be no question as to which team is winning it all. Beal is that lethal on offense because he can shoot from deep and also create his own shot. Beal’s improvement as a player has been clear to see, and he is a legitimate All-Star in this game.
Beal would immediately be the second-best scorer on the squad, mainly because AD has the size to dominate the game offensively if he puts his mind to it. Beal would give LeBron a player to trust in the clutch and a player that Frank Vogel can draw up plays for. Beal is simply an offensive explosion waiting to happen and giving the Lakers that third All-Star would gift them a championship without a doubt next season.
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