Lakers fans are some of the most loyal in the NBA, and every offseason, they start with huge expectations of landing a superstar. The summer usually begins with dreams of snagging players like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Devin Booker, but often ends with more realistic names like Spencer Dinwiddie, Gabe Vincent, and other solid role players.
Even though those big dreams don’t always come true, the Los Angeles Lakers legacy always keeps the door open for top talent. With LeBron James likely to re-sign, the Lakers’ front office will be pushing hard to bring in another star to join him and Anthony Davis. The team’s recent performance, mixed with their storied history, makes them a tempting destination for superstars looking for a new home.
Today, we’re diving into how realistic it is for the Lakers to land each superstar this summer. From possible trade scenarios to salary cap moves, we’ll cover all the bases and give you a clear picture of what it would take for the Lakers to add another big name to their roster for the 2024-25 season.
Trae Young
Realistic or Unrealistic: Realistic
How realistic from 1 to 10: 9
Possible package for Trae Young: Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, No. 17 Pick, 2029 First-Round Pick
Trae Young had a stellar 2023-24 season, averaging 25.7 points, 10.8 assists, and 2.8 rebounds over 54 games. Despite his shine, the Atlanta Hawks struggled, finishing with a 36-46 record, missing the playoffs, and ranking 10th in the Eastern Conference. This lackluster performance has sparked speculation about potential changes in the Hawks’ roster during the offseason with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft.
The Hawks’ offseason moves involve evaluating their core players and possibly taking significant action to reshape the team. With a defensive rating ranked 27th in the league and a net rating of -2.2, it’s clear the Hawks have issues that need addressing. These statistics reflect a team that, despite offensive talents like Young, has not been able to compete at a high level consistently.
Rumors have been circulating about Trae Young being a potential trade candidate. His ability to create plays and score would be a massive asset to any team, making him a valuable trade piece if the Hawks decide to go in a different direction. The Lakers, with their storied history and championship aspirations, are always on the lookout for adding star power to their roster.
A realistic trade package for Trae Young might include promising young talents like Austin Reaves and seasoned players like D’Angelo Russell, coupled with significant draft picks, such as the No. 17 pick and a 2029 first-round pick. This package would provide the Hawks with both immediate contributors and future assets, aligning with a potential rebuild or retooling strategy.
For the Lakers, acquiring Trae Young would bring in a dynamic playmaker who can alleviate the playmaking responsibilities from LeBron James and complement Anthony Davis. With LeBron expected to re-sign, the Lakers are highly motivated to build a championship-caliber team around him. Adding a young star like Trae Young would significantly boost their chances, making this trade scenario quite realistic.
Dejounte Murray
Realistic or Unrealistic: Realistic
How realistic from 1 to 10: 8
Possible package for Dejounte Murray: Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, No. 17 Pick
Dejounte Murray had an impressive 2023-24 season, averaging 22.5 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.3 rebounds in 78 games. His performance has drawn significant attention, and trade rumors have been swirling around him as the Hawks look to reconfigure their roster following a disappointing season.
The Hawks, who ended their season with a 36-46 record and missed the playoffs, are reportedly open to exploring trade options for Murray. There have been discussions about potential deals involving several teams, including the Lakers. The Lakers have emerged as a strong suitor for Murray, and a trade package involving Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, and the No. 17 pick could be discussed.
Rumors have indicated that the Lakers are highly interested in adding Murray to their roster, especially with LeBron James likely re-signing and the team looking to make a strong push for the championship. The Hawks are weighing their options, and while talks have stalled at times, they are expected to pick up as the offseason progresses.
Adding Murray would provide the Lakers with a dynamic guard who can score, facilitate, and defend, making him an ideal fit alongside LeBron and Anthony Davis. This move would significantly bolster the Lakers’ chances of making a deep playoff run next season.
DeMar DeRozan
Realistic or Unrealistic: Realistic
How realistic from 1 to 10: 7.5
Possible package for DeMar DeRozan: Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, No. 17 Pick
DeMar DeRozan had a solid 2023-24 season, averaging 24.0 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.3 rebounds in 79 games. With his contract ending, DeRozan has become one of the most talked-about free agents this offseason. The Lakers, who have been linked to DeRozan multiple times in the past, could potentially land him through a sign-and-trade deal with the Chicago Bulls.
Currently, DeRozan has reportedly declined a two-year, $80 million extension from the Bulls, indicating he might be looking for a longer-term deal or a new team. A sign-and-trade deal makes the most sense for both parties. The Lakers could offer a package including Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, and the No. 17 pick. This deal would allow the Bulls to get valuable players and a draft pick while accommodating DeRozan’s desire to move to a championship-contending team.
DeRozan has a strong connection to Los Angeles, having grown up there and being a lifelong Lakers fan. This personal connection, along with the Lakers’ need for a proven scorer and playmaker, makes this potential move both appealing and practical. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis already on the roster, adding DeRozan could significantly bolster the Lakers’ chances for the upcoming season.
Donovan Mitchell
Realistic or Unrealistic: Realistic
How realistic from 1 to 10: 7
Possible package for Donovan Mitchell: D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, No. 17 Pick, 2029 First-Round Pick
Donovan Mitchell had a standout 2023-24 season, averaging 29.6 points per game during the playoffs despite dealing with various injuries. The Cavaliers, however, were eliminated in the second round by the Boston Celtics, which has fueled speculation about Mitchell’s future with the team.
Reports indicate that Mitchell, who has two years left on his contract with a player option for the 2025-26 season, has not committed to signing an extension with Cleveland. This uncertainty makes it plausible that the Cavaliers might consider trading him this offseason rather than risking losing him for nothing next year.
The Lakers are reportedly very interested in Mitchell and would likely put together a substantial offer to acquire him. A potential package could include D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, the No. 17 pick in the upcoming draft, and a 2029 first-round pick. This trade would provide the Cavaliers with valuable assets while giving the Lakers another star to complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
For the Lakers, adding Mitchell would mean acquiring one of the league’s best scorers, which would significantly bolster their offense. Mitchell’s ability to take over games and his experience in high-stakes playoff situations would be invaluable for a Lakers team looking to maximize their championship window with LeBron and AD. While the trade is ambitious, it’s within the realm of possibility given the Lakers’ assets and Mitchell’s uncertain future with the Cavaliers. If the Lakers can pull off this move, it would solidify their status as a top contender for the 2024-25 season.
Zach LaVine
Realistic or Unrealistic: Realistic
How realistic from 1 to 10: 6
Possible package for Zach LaVine: D’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, 2025 Second-Round Pick
Zach LaVine’s 2023-24 season was rough with injuries, which really tanked his trade value. He averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists in just 25 games before a foot injury took him out. Add that to his past knee and quad issues, and it’s no wonder teams are cautious about trading for him.
Still, the Lakers are in the mix to get LaVine. The Bulls have been shopping him around, but not many teams are biting because of his health and the big money left on his contract. LaVine, though, is keen on the idea of joining the Lakers, mainly because of his Klutch Sports ties and the chance to play for a title contender.
A potential trade could see the Lakers sending D’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, and a 2025 second-round pick to the Bulls. This would give Chicago some immediate help and a future pick, while the Lakers get another scoring threat. LaVine’s scoring skills would be a great addition, easing the load on LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Getting LaVine is a bit of a gamble due to his injury history, but if he stays healthy, he could really boost the Lakers’ offense and help them make a strong playoff push.
Kevin Durant
Realistic or Unrealistic: Totally Unrealistic
How realistic from 1 to 10: 1
Unrealistic package for Kevin Durant: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, No. 17 Pick, 2029 First-Round Pick
Kevin Durant had another stellar season with the Phoenix Suns, averaging 27.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.0 assists over 75 games. The Suns finished the regular season with a respectable 49-33 record, landing them in the sixth spot in the Western Conference standings. Despite Durant’s strong performance, the Suns were knocked out of the playoffs in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The only scenario where the Lakers could dream of landing KD would be if he requested a trade out of sheer frustration or if the Suns’ situation dramatically changed. As of now, there have been no indications that Durant is unhappy in Phoenix or looking to move. The Suns are built around him, Devin Booker, and their supporting cast, making it highly unlikely he’s going anywhere.
For the Lakers, offering a package like D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and multiple first-round picks would still fall short of what the Suns would likely demand for a superstar of Durant’s caliber. The Lakers would need to mortgage their future and still might not have enough to sway Phoenix to part with their star player.
So, unless something wild happens, like KD getting really pissed off and demanding a trade, this one’s pretty much a fantasy. Durant’s current performance and his value to the Suns keep him firmly planted in Phoenix for the foreseeable future.
Jimmy Butler
Realistic or Unrealistic: Totally Unrealistic
How realistic from 1 to 10: 3
Unrealistic package for Jimmy Butler: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, No. 17 Pick
Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat have been the subject of some trade rumors lately, but let’s be real—it’s pretty much impossible that he ends up with the Lakers. Despite Miami’s early playoff exit and Butler’s knee injury sidelining him during the first round, the Heat are likely to sign him to an extension.
Butler is eligible for a two-year maximum extension, and it’s expected he’ll ask for it to stay in Miami. The Heat, facing limited cap space and needing to retain their core players, probably won’t let him walk. Besides, Miami doesn’t have the flexibility to replace him with another superstar in free agency.
Even if Miami decided to trade Butler, teams with better assets than the Lakers, like the Knicks or 76ers, could put together much more attractive offers. The Lakers’ proposed package of D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and a couple of picks simply wouldn’t cut it for a player of Butler’s caliber. Plus, Butler has been pretty clear about his love for Miami, making it even less likely he’ll be on the move.
Paul George
Realistic or Unrealistic: Totally Unrealistic
How realistic from 1 to 10: 3
Unrealistic package for Paul George: D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, No. 17 Pick
Paul George had a solid 2023-24 season, averaging 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. Despite his efforts, the Clippers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Dallas Mavericks in six games. The Clippers have a lot on their plate this offseason, including decisions on key players like George, who has a $48.8 million player option for the 2024-25 season.
The Clippers and George have yet to reach an agreement on an extension, and trade rumors have been circulating, particularly involving teams like the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic, who are keeping a close eye on his situation. However, the Clippers are keen on retaining George and are hopeful of signing him to a new deal even if it comes in the free agency market.
For the Lakers, dreaming of a trade for Paul George seems highly unrealistic. The proposed package of D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and a couple of draft picks would not be enough to entice the Clippers. George is still a top-tier player, and any trade would need to be significantly more valuable than what the Lakers can offer.
Moreover, the Clippers are unlikely to trade a key player to their city rivals unless absolutely necessary. The idea of George requesting a trade specifically to the Lakers remains far-fetched given his value and the Clippers’ intent to keep their core intact.
De’Aaron Fox
Realistic or Unrealistic: Totally Unrealistic
How realistic from 1 to 10: 3
Unrealistic package for De’Aaron Fox: D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, No. 17 Pick
De’Aaron Fox had a stellar 2023-24 season, averaging 25.2 points, 7.1 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. Despite his impressive individual performance, the Sacramento Kings once again missed the playoffs, coming off an incredible 2022-23 season last year. The Kings still see Fox as a cornerstone of their future, making a trade highly unlikely unless a significantly more attractive offer is made.
The Lakers’ proposed package of D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and the No. 17 pick is far from sufficient to acquire Fox. If they were to consider trading Fox, the Kings would look for a much more substantial return, potentially involving multiple high-value draft picks and young talent with high upside.
Furthermore, teams like the Houston Rockets and Boston Celtics have been mentioned as potential destinations with better assets to offer if the Kings were ever to entertain trade discussions for Fox. The Rockets could leverage their future picks and young players, while the Celtics could offer a package involving Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, or even Jaylen Brown, and have multiple first-round picks, providing more compelling options for Sacramento.
Given Fox’s contract situation and his role as a key player for the Kings, along with other teams having more attractive trade assets, the Lakers’ chances of landing Fox are highly unrealistic.
Brandon Ingram
Realistic or Unrealistic: Unrealistic
How realistic from 1 to 10: 5
Unrealistic package for Brandon Ingram: Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, No. 17 Pick, 2029 First-Round Pick
Brandon Ingram had a decent 2023-24 season, averaging 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game while shooting 49.2% from the field and 35.5% from three. However, his performance in the playoffs was less than stellar, with the Pelicans getting swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round. Ingram averaged only 14.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game in that series, shooting just 34.5% from the field and 25.0% from deep.
Given these circumstances, there have been trade rumors surrounding Ingram. The Pelicans might explore trading him, especially considering he is entering the final year of his contract worth $36 million and the fit alongside Zion Williamson has been questioned by some executives.
The Lakers’ proposed package of Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, the No. 17 pick, and a 2029 first-round pick is not a bad offer, considering Ingram’s playoff struggles and his contract situation. However, the history of trading for Anthony Davis might make the Pelicans hesitant to engage in another significant deal with the Lakers.
Moreover, other teams like the Warriors and Magic are also in the mix for Ingram and might offer more enticing packages. Thus, while it’s not entirely impossible, the scenario of Ingram moving to the Lakers is still quite unlikely.
