The Los Angeles Lakers are heading into the 2024-25 season with plenty of questions after a disappointing offseason so far. Despite high hopes, the Lakers have struggled to make significant moves in free agency yet, with marquee players like Klay Thompson or DeMar DeRozan choosing other destinations. With LeBron James nearing the twilight of his career and Anthony Davis struggling with injuries, the Lakers need to make smart, impactful trades to improve their roster and keep their championship window open. Here, we explore two easy trades that could provide the Lakers with the spark they desperately need.
Acquiring A Great Shooter For A Cheap Price
Lakers receive: Corey Kispert
Wizards receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, 2025 second-round
The Los Angeles Lakers have been exploring trade options involving Jarred Vanderbilt, a defensive specialist known for his hustle and versatility. While Vanderbilt is a valuable asset on the defensive end, his offensive limitations, particularly his inability to stretch the floor, have led the Lakers to consider trading him. The team desperately needs a reliable shooter to open up the court for their stars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Enter Corey Kispert, a sharpshooter from the Washington Wizards. Kispert averaged 13.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.0 assists over 80 games in the 2023-24 season, shooting an impressive 38.3% from beyond the arc. His shooting prowess would significantly enhance the Lakers’ spacing, making it easier for LeBron and Davis to operate inside.
The Wizards, who recently traded Deni Avdija to the Portland Trail Blazers, might be open to moving Kispert as well. With their eyes set on a rebuild, acquiring Vanderbilt and a future second-round pick could be a low-cost way to bolster their defensive capabilities and add future assets. This trade would provide the Wizards with a solid defender and a good future pick, making it a win-win scenario.
For the Lakers, adding Kispert alongside their rookie shooter Dalton Knecht would dramatically improve their perimeter shooting. This increase in firepower would make them more dangerous offensively and provide much-needed spacing for their key players. Such a move could be the catalyst the Lakers need to bounce back from a disappointing offseason and re-establish themselves as championship contenders.
Adding Versatility And Depth With Kenrich Williams
Lakers receive: Kenrich Williams
Thunder receive: Jalen Hood-Schifino, Christian Wood, 2027 second-round pick
The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to bolster their roster with versatile players who can contribute on both ends of the court. Kenrich Williams from the Oklahoma City Thunder fits this bill perfectly. Williams, who averaged 4.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 69 games last season while shooting 39.7% from three-point range, brings a mix of defensive grit and shooting that the Lakers sorely need.
The Thunder had an impressive 2023-24 season, finishing as the top seed in the Western Conference and reaching the conference semifinals before losing in six games to the Dallas Mavericks. Despite their success, Williams fell out of the rotation, making him a prime candidate for a trade. By moving Williams, the Thunder can continue their strategy of building for the future.
In return for Williams, the Lakers would send Jalen Hood-Schifino, Christian Wood, and a second-round pick in 2027 to Oklahoma City. Hood-Schifino is a young, promising guard who could develop into a valuable player for the Thunder. Christian Wood, an expiring contract, offers immediate help and financial flexibility for future extensions. This trade allows the Thunder to maintain cap space while adding potential future assets.
Oklahoma City has been active in adjusting their roster, making moves like trading for Alex Caruso and signing Isaiah Hartenstein to an $87 million deal. Adding Hood-Schifino and Wood fits their long-term vision without compromising their current financial strategy.
For the Lakers, acquiring Williams adds a versatile defender and reliable shooter to their lineup, complementing stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Williams’ ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting will be invaluable, especially given the Lakers’ need for consistent perimeter threats.
Could The Lakers Become A Bigger Threat?
The Los Angeles Lakers had a mixed 2023-24 season, ending with a 47-35 record and an early playoff exit. Despite having stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the team struggled with depth and shooting consistency. This offseason, they failed to make impactful free agency moves, leaving their roster largely unchanged and their fans worried about the upcoming season.
Adding Corey Kispert and Kenrich Williams would bring in much-needed shooting and defensive versatility, but these aren’t game-changing acquisitions. Kispert, with his shooting prowess, would help spread the floor, making it easier for LeBron and AD to operate. Williams, known for his defense and hustle, would add depth. However, these are incremental improvements rather than transformative ones.
The Lakers’ core remains strong, but they need more than role players to become true contenders. While Kispert and Williams can address specific needs, the Lakers might still struggle against more well-rounded teams in the playoffs. The key to their success will be keeping their stars healthy and finding ways to integrate these new pieces effectively.
Ultimately, while these trades can help, they won’t drastically change the Lakers’ fortunes. They need a combination of health, chemistry, and possibly more significant moves to truly threaten the top teams in the Western Conference. The potential is there, but turning it into reality will be a challenging task for the Lakers’ front office and coaching staff.
