The Los Angeles Lakers have had a rough start to the preseason. After losing their first two games, the Lakers are far from being the title contenders they were presented to be after their impressive offseason signings. While their performances could be attributed to their limited playing rotations and the developing team chemistry, Lakers insider Jovan Buha suggested that the team needs an upgrade to emerge as a contender.
While speaking on the “Buha’s Block” channel, the insider shed more light on the subject:
“The Lakers have to make a trade to enter that inner circle of contenders. I felt that before the LeBron injury update … My bold prediction for the season was that I felt the Lakers were one trade away from entering that inner circle alongside OKC and Denver, who, to me, are the two best teams in the NBA.”
While the Lakers have committed to the idea of making moves to improve their roster, primarily due to Luka Doncic‘s future being secured, the injury update involving LeBron James does put some pressure on the front office to make a move now. With that being said, Buha revealed an interesting target the Purple and Gold could pursue.
“I felt that with the right trade, whether it is an Andrew Wiggins or a Dillon Brooks, or maybe an even bigger swing,” Buha added. “Whoever that player is, with the right trade, particularly with the right fit starter … I think the Lakers can get in that conversation with Denver and OKC.”
Given that the Lakers have already missed out on recent opportunities to acquire Andrew Wiggins from the Miami Heat, the front office could pivot and make a run at landing Dillon Brooks from the Phoenix Suns.
The insider emphasizes the need for a player who is capable of slotting in next to Luka Doncic and LeBron James. With this in mind, we explore a potential trade idea that would help the Lakers land the Suns forward.
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Dillon Brooks
Phoenix Suns Receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht, 2032 second-round pick
Why Do The Suns Do This Trade?
Dillon Brooks was acquired as part of the trade that sent Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets. Given that the Phoenix Suns are effectively entering a rebuild structured around Devin Booker‘s timeline, a player like Brooks may not necessarily be the right fit.
With this trade, the Suns receive a valuable draft asset, along with a reliable defensive presence in Jarred Vanderbilt, and a solid developmental piece in Dalton Knecht.
Vanderbilt’s addition could be ideal for the Phoenix Suns lineup. With Brooks on the way out in this scenario, the Suns would need a player to replace him in the lineup. Given that Royce O’Neale would ideally be promoted, Vanderbilt’s addition helps fill out their bench.
The 26-year-old forward only appeared in 36 games last season, with injuries having a significant impact on his performance and consistency. This resulted in reduced production, as he averaged 4.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game, shooting 48.8% from the field.
Regardless, this offseason has been promising, as reports suggest that the forward has impressed with his performances at training camp, even earning plaudits from the coaching staff for the potential impact he could have.
Along with Vanderbilt, the Suns would also receive Dalton Knecht in this deal. The young guard has been on the trade block for a large portion of the offseason. Although a slow start in the preseason could raise some concerns, earlier reports by JJ Redick presented a promising outlook for his performance in the upcoming campaign.
While his perimeter shooting is touted as his greatest asset, Knecht is a versatile scoring threat. With an average of 9.1 points and 2.8 rebounds on 46.1% shooting overall, with 37.6% from three-point range. Although he would face some challenges earning minutes in the rotation, especially with players like Grayson Allen ahead of him, the Suns could see merit in developing him to play the same role.
The Lakers Bolster Their Starting Lineup
The purpose of this trade idea is to help the Lakers fortify their starting lineup. While the potential frontcourt featuring Rui Hachimura remains formidable, with LeBron James being sidelined for up to four weeks, the Lakers may need to find a better replacement.
In this regard, Dillon Brooks’ addition could be quite worthwhile. The 29-year-old has carved out a reputation for himself in the NBA as a pesky defender with a reliable shot from the outside. Although his actions have often backfired, his value is worth acknowledging.
For the 2024-25 season, Brooks averaged 14.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 0.8 steals per game, shooting 42.9% from the field and 39.7% from three-point range. Statistically, Hachimura may appear to be a more efficient shooter, but considering the role he would be asked to play, primarily as a 3-and-D player, Brooks may receive the nod ahead of him.
The concerns regarding the fit next to LeBron James and Luka Doncic eventually come down to personality clashes and history, since his playing style aligns perfectly with both. James and Brooks have a particularly charged history. But considering that the Lakers star has embraced such personalities in the past, there is enough potential for the partnership to be fruitful.
The Lakers Need To Make A Move
With LeBron James in the final stages of his career, the Lakers’ title window only grows smaller. In this regard, his potential absence for the first few weeks of the regular season could add to the pre-existing pressure the team was facing to be competitive.
Although the team has been active in trade negotiations, finalizing a deal would be vital in ensuring that the new additions build chemistry with the rest of the team.
The opportunity to make the appropriate trades will remain during the course of the season, as the Lakers can properly assess the performances of players around the league. Regardless, with less than two weeks left before the start of the new season, the Lakers are running out of time on this front.
