Even if their record doesn’t look like it, the Los Angeles Lakers are competing for the NBA title this season and are looking for any way to become the favorite in the Western Conference. LeBron James is 39 years old and Anthony Davis is playing at a superstar level as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, meaning the time to win is right now.
- Dejounte Murray Forms A Big Three In Los Angeles
- Zach LaVine Changes Fortunes For LeBron James
- Lakers Acquire Their Preferred Target In DeMar DeRozan
- A Solid Big Three Formed With Jerami Grant
- Buddy Hield Is Finally Acquired After Years Of Rumors
- Veteran Swingman Bojan Bogdanovic Heads To The Lakers
- A Nearly Impossible Trade That Will Guarantee A Conference Finals Appearance
By dangling assets such as Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, and Rui Hachimura, along with the coveted 2029 first-round pick, the Lakers have a list of talented players to go after. We have collected the seven available targets for Los Angeles to go after and the probability of completing each trade.
Dejounte Murray Forms A Big Three In Los Angeles
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Dejounte Murray
Atlanta Hawks Receive: Austin Reaves, 2029 First-Round Pick
Prediction: 70% Chance Of Happening
The go-to trade for the Lakers to make involves Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Austin Reaves and a 2029 first-round pick. The Lakers would be securing a dynamic point guard with exceptional playmaking and defensive abilities with this trade, as Murray is averaging 21.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game on 38.3% from three this season.
Dejounte Murray’s skill set aligns well with the Lakers’ needs, providing an ideal complement to the scoring prowess of LeBron James and the all-around dominance of Anthony Davis. The trio of Murray, James, and Davis would form a formidable “Big Three” that could make the Lakers one of the most well-rounded teams in the Western Conference. Murray’s playmaking skills allow LeBron to focus on scoring, and his defensive tenacity would contribute to the team’s overall solidity.
While this trade scenario presents a compelling case for the Lakers’ improvement, success would depend on factors such as team chemistry, the integration of Murray into the system, and the competitive landscape in the Western Conference. Overall, acquiring Dejounte Murray could elevate the Lakers to serious contender status, challenging the likes of the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, and Oklahoma City Thunder in the highly competitive Western Conference. This trade can also be completed with a near 70% chance considering the Hawks have placed Murray on the radar and the Lakers have shown strong interest.
Zach LaVine Changes Fortunes For LeBron James
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, 2029 First-Round Pick
Prediction: 50% Chance Of Happening
With a prediction of a 50% chance of happening, the Lakers can acquire Zach LaVine if the Chicago Bulls don’t find a better offer elsewhere. Considering LaVine has been on the trading block, the Lakers can capitalize on this circumstance.
Zach LaVine’s offensive prowess and ability to create his own shot would bring a significant boost to the Lakers’ scoring capabilities. His scoring versatility, coupled with his athleticism, aligns well with the Lakers’ need for additional firepower. LaVine’s skill set would make him an ideal backcourt partner for LeBron James, providing the Lakers with a dynamic scoring duo. This season, LaVine is averaging 20.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game on 34.9% from three although he is shooting 38.2% over his career.
The potential acquisition of Zach LaVine not only addresses the Lakers’ immediate needs but also positions the team for the long term. LaVine, as a young and highly talented player, could serve as a valuable asset alongside Anthony Davis when LeBron James eventually retires. This move has the potential to create a formidable foundation for the Lakers’ future success, combining the established star power of Davis with the emerging talent of LaVine.
Lakers Acquire Their Preferred Target In DeMar DeRozan
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: DeMar DeRozan
Chicago Bulls Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, 2029 First-Round Pick
Prediction: 30% Chance Of Happening
Despite the prediction assigning a 30% chance of happening, DeMar DeRozan’s coveted skill set as an elite scorer and veteran presence with a winning mentality makes him an enticing prospect for the Lakers. DeMar DeRozan has been on the Lakers’ radar as a preferred target, even more so than Zach LaVine.
His ability to score efficiently and create opportunities for himself and teammates aligns with the Lakers’ need for offensive firepower. DeRozan’s veteran experience, particularly in playoff situations, could bring a valuable winning mentality to a Lakers team anchored by LeBron James and Anthony Davis. DeRozan is posting 22.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game on 46.4% from the field and 35.4% from three.
The potential acquisition of DeRozan addresses the Lakers’ immediate need for a proven scorer and playmaker. His offensive versatility, marked by his mid-range game and ability to finish at the rim, would add another dimension to the Lakers’ offensive repertoire. Despite DeRozan’s age, the Lakers view this as an “all-in” trade package, recognizing the short-term impact he could have on their championship aspirations.
A Solid Big Three Formed With Jerami Grant
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Jerami Grant
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, 2029 First-Round Pick
Prediction: 25% Chance Of Happening
In a trade scenario with only a 25% chance to actually happen, the Los Angeles Lakers aim to solidify a decent Big Three by acquiring Jerami Grant from the Portland Trail Blazers. The proposed trade involves sending D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, and a 2029 first-round pick to the Trail Blazers and the allure of adding a versatile two-way wing player like Jerami Grant could significantly transform the Lakers.
Grant’s skill set as an experienced two-way player brings a valuable combination of offensive and defensive capabilities. His ability to spot up for threes, take players off the dribble, and defend multiple positions would address specific needs for the Lakers. With the Lakers ranking 18th in offense and 16th in defense, Grant’s presence could provide a substantial boost on both ends of the court.
The veteran swingman is posting 21.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game on 41.2% from three. Grant would actually be a perfect system player for the Lakers and they can also hold onto Austin Reaves to create a very talented starting lineup on both ends of the court.
Buddy Hield Is Finally Acquired After Years Of Rumors
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Buddy Hield
Indiana Pacers Receive: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, 2025 Second-Round Pick
Prediction: 20% Chance Of Happening
In another trade scenario, the Los Angeles Lakers aim to finally acquire Buddy Hield, addressing persistent rumors that have circulated for years. The proposed trade involves sending Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and a 2025 second-round pick to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for Hield. Despite the prediction assigning a 20% chance of happening, the continuous interest in Hield suggests a strategic move by the Lakers to bolster their perimeter shooting because the player is posting 12.7 points per game on 38.0% from deep this season.
Buddy Hield’s reputation as a sharpshooter and floor spacer has made him a consistent target for the Lakers, and if the trade were to materialize, he could bring a valuable shooting element to the team. His ability to knock down three-pointers at a high clip would provide LeBron James and Anthony Davis with a reliable perimeter threat, spacing the floor and opening up driving lanes for the Lakers’ stars.
Hield’s shooting prowess would contribute significantly to addressing one of the Lakers’ historical weaknesses – three-point shooting. The potential trio of James, Davis, and Hield could create a dynamic offensive combination, with Hield serving as a perimeter threat to capitalize on kick-out passes from LeBron and Davis. Even if Hield won’t guarantee a title for the Lakers, he will improve the Lakers’ shooting as the team ranks 27th in 3-pointers made.
Veteran Swingman Bojan Bogdanovic Heads To The Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Bojan Bogdanovic
Detroit Pistons Receive: Austin Reaves, Gabe Vincent
Prediction: 10% Chance Of Happening
In a trade scenario that carries a 10% chance of happening, the Los Angeles Lakers are speculated to acquire veteran swingman Bojan Bogdanovic from the Detroit Pistons, with Austin Reaves and Gabe Vincent going the other way. The potential move for Bogdanovic seems to be a panic play for the Lakers, possibly in a scenario where other trade options fall through, prompting a last-minute decision.
Bojan Bogdanovic, nearing 35 years old, brings a wealth of experience, particularly as an excellent shooter and perimeter defender. However, the potential risks associated with acquiring an aging player are evident, as Bogdanovic might soon face a decline in his play very soon. Averaging 18.9 points per game, Bojan is playing well for the Detroit Pistons but not well enough to part ways with the 25-year-old Reaves.
Austin Reaves is almost a decade younger than Bogdanovic and has shown promise as a long-term asset for the Lakers. The Lakers might be hesitant to part ways with a younger player, especially if the trade is perceived as a reactive measure rather than a strategic move. The 10% chance of this trade happening reflects the cautious approach the Lakers might take in considering the long-term implications of acquiring an aging veteran although there is no doubt he would make the Lakers a better team this season.
A Nearly Impossible Trade That Will Guarantee A Conference Finals Appearance
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Donovan Mitchell
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, 2028 First-Round Pick Swap, 2029 First-Round Pick
Prediction: 1% Chance Of Happening
Despite the Lakers’ obvious desire to secure a player of Donovan Mitchell’s caliber, the prediction assigns a mere 1% chance of this blockbuster deal materializing. Mitchell, widely regarded as one of the best shooting guards in the league, would undoubtedly transform the Lakers into instant title favorites and elevate them to the upper echelon of contenders. He is posting 28.2 points per game this season and is in the beginning of his prime at 27 years old.
The potential trio of Mitchell, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis would form one of the most formidable Big Threes in recent memory, capable of competing at the highest level. However, the prediction rationale highlights the considerable challenges associated with this trade. Mitchell’s value is immense, and if the Cavaliers were to entertain trade offers, there would likely be more enticing packages available from other teams. The Lakers’ offer of D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and two first-round picks may be insufficient given the demand for a player of Mitchell’s caliber.
Furthermore, Pascal Siakam’s recent trade for three first-round picks emphasizes that the Cavaliers could demand a significant haul in exchange for Mitchell. The Lakers, despite their desire to create a powerful Big Three, might face steep competition in the trade market, making this scenario highly unlikely. Keep dreaming Lakers fans, Donovan Mitchell will probably not wear a Lakers jersey during the time LeBron James is still playing.
