For most of the 2024-25 season, the Los Angeles Lakers looked like legitimate championship threats, powered by the superstar tandem of Luka Doncic and LeBron James. But as the postseason approaches, cracks in their foundation are starting to show.
A three-game losing streak at this critical stage of the season has only magnified the roster’s shortcomings, particularly the lack of reliable size in the frontcourt and the need for more defensive versatility. With LeBron nearing the twilight of his career and Luka in his prime, the Lakers can’t afford to waste time. Let’s dive into the eight best targets for them this summer.
1. Myles Turner
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Myles Turner (Sign-and-Trade)
Indiana Pacers Receive: Rui Hachimura, 2031 First-Round Pick (LAL)
For years, Myles Turner has been a top target for the Lakers, and now, they might finally have the perfect opportunity to land him. The Lakers desperately need a true rim protector who can also stretch the floor, and Turner fits the bill perfectly.
The Pacers’ big man is once again among the league leaders in blocks (1.9 BPG) while averaging 15.5 points and shooting 39.1% from deep—a rare skill set that would allow the Lakers to maintain floor spacing while shoring up their interior defense. With the Pacers shifting their frontcourt focus around Pascal Siakam, they might be willing to part ways with Turner in a sign-and-trade scenario.
The Lakers giving up Rui Hachimura and a distant 2031 first-round pick is a reasonable price for a center who addresses multiple needs. Hachimura has been solid (13.0 PPG, 5.1 RPG), but his defensive inconsistency and streaky scoring make him expendable. If the Lakers are serious about contending, this is a move they should aggressively pursue.
2. Zach LaVine
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Zach LaVine
Sacramento Kings Receive: Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, 2025 Second-Round Pick (LAL)
Zach LaVine’s name has been swirling in trade rumors all season, and after a surprising trade to the Kings following a disappointing stint with the Bulls, his value has dropped. The Lakers would be gambling on a high-scoring guard who’s putting up 23.1 PPG but has battled injuries and inconsistency over the last few seasons.
However, if healthy, LaVine would give the Lakers another elite shot-creator to take pressure off Luka Doncic and LeBron James. The biggest concern? His defensive lapses and hefty contract that will pay him $47.5 million next year.
Sacramento is reportedly looking to shake things up after trading De’Aaron Fox and acquiring young pieces like Reaves and Hachimura while offloading LaVine’s contract could appeal to them. The Lakers would be sacrificing depth, but the upside is undeniable—LaVine’s explosive scoring could make the Lakers an offensive juggernaut. If they believe he can stay on the floor and regain his All-Star form, it’s a risk worth considering.
3. Nic Claxton
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Nic Claxton
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, 2031 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Nic Claxton might not be the flashiest name on this list, but he could be exactly what the Lakers need. The 25-year-old center has been a defensive stalwart for Brooklyn, averaging 1.4 blocks per game and anchoring the 9th-ranked defense (111.5 OPPG) despite the Nets’ overall struggles.
His ability to switch onto guards, protect the rim, and finish lobs would be a perfect fit next to Doncic and LeBron. Brooklyn, meanwhile, might be open to moving him if they go into a full rebuild.
Hachimura gives them an offensive-minded forward, and the Lakers’ 2031 pick is an intriguing long-term asset. For the Lakers, Claxton wouldn’t just fill a positional need—he’d also bring youth and athleticism to a frontcourt that desperately lacks it. If they can pull this off, it’s a no-brainer.
4. Robert Williams
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Robert Williams
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Gabe Vincent, Shake Milton, 2031 First-Round Pick (LAL)
This trade is all about upside. When healthy, Robert Williams is a game-changer on defense, but that’s a big “if.” He’s played just 20 games this season, struggling with lingering knee issues. However, if the Lakers believe he can get back to his 2022 form, where he averaged 2.2 BPG and was a defensive menace for the Celtics—he’s worth taking a chance on.
Portland, still in a rebuilding phase, could be open to moving Williams for future assets. The Lakers wouldn’t be giving up much beyond a pick and some salary filler, making this a relatively low-risk move. Williams would add much-needed rim protection and rebounding, but the Lakers would have to monitor his health closely.
5. Clint Capela
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Clint Capela (Sign-and-Trade)
Atlanta Hawks Receive: Rui Hachimura, Shake Milton, 2031 First-Round Pick Swap (LAL)
Clint Capela is the definition of a traditional center—a strong rebounder (8.5 RPG), solid shot-blocker, and rim-runner who thrives in the pick-and-roll. His fit alongside Doncic would be seamless, giving the Lakers a reliable lob threat and someone who can protect the paint. With the Hawks looking to rebuild, they will look to bring back assets by moving on from Capela.
The Lakers wouldn’t have to give up much to get him, which makes this deal attractive. The question is whether Capela’s lack of offensive versatility limits the Lakers’ ceiling. Still, for a team that needs size, this would be a solid move.
6. Nikola Vucevic
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Nikola Vucevic
Chicago Bulls Receive: Rui Hachimura, Shake Milton, 2025 Second-Round Pick (LAL)
Nikola Vucevic isn’t the rim protector the Lakers might ideally want, but he does bring something else they lack—offensive versatility from the center position. Averaging 18.5 PPG and 10.1 RPG, he’s still a capable scorer who can stretch the floor. His three-point shooting (40.1%) would help open up driving lanes for LeBron and Doncic.
The downside? His defense is suspect, and he’s not exactly a high-energy player. But if the Lakers want more offensive firepower, Vucevic would be a strong addition and it might not cost more than Hachimura, Milton, and a second-round pick.
7. Walker Kessler & Collin Sexton
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Walker Kessler, Collin Sexton
Utah Jazz Receive: Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht
This is a home run trade for the Lakers. Walker Kessler is an elite shot-blocker (2.4 BPG) who would instantly fix their interior defense, and Collin Sexton (18.1 PPG) gives them another dynamic scorer. If the Jazz decide to go full rebuild, moving these two for young assets makes sense.
Hachimura is a solid piece and Knecht has tons of promise as a sharpshooter, but Kessler’s defensive impact and Sexton’s scoring punch make this an easy win for L.A. If they can convince Utah to pull the trigger, the Lakers should be all over it.
8. Onyeka Okongwu
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Onyeka Okongwu
Atlanta Hawks Receive: Rui Hachimura, 2031 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Okongwu is young (24) and still developing, but his defensive versatility is intriguing. He’s averaging 13.0 PPG, 8.6 RPG, and 1.0 BPG this season while proving he can switch onto guards and hold his own in the paint. He’d be a perfect fit for the Lakers’ system, giving them a defensive anchor for years to come.
Atlanta might be hesitant to move him, but if they’re looking for more offense and willing to cash in on his value, the Lakers should pounce. This is the type of long-term investment that could pay off in a big way.
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