The Los Angeles Lakers appear to be a competitive team heading into the 2025-26 season. Having made some noteworthy roster moves in the summer, the Lakers are certainly a team to look out for.
While these upgrades would typically be enough to secure the Purple and Gold’s position alongside the contenders in the West, this has not been the case. Instead, the conference has become even more challenging, as several teams have upgraded their rosters in preparation for the new season.
Although the Lakers were linked in trade talks to bolster their wing depth by trading for Andrew Wiggins, these negotiations seem to have fallen through, leaving the team in an odd position.
To address these concerns, we look at another option that could help bolster their wing depth instead.
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Grayson Allen
Phoenix Suns Receive: Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber, 2032 second-round pick
Why Should The Suns Agree To This Deal?
Given the approach the Phoenix Suns have had toward the offseason, it is clear that the team is looking to clear cap space for the future and build its draft reserves back up. In this regard, a trade involving Grayson Allen could be considered worthwhile.
Allen has been mentioned in a number of trade deals, primarily involving Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga. This displays Phoenix’s willingness to part ways with the guard.
While it is unlikely for the team to land Kuminga, the Suns could look at an alternative approach toward a rebuild in this trade proposal with the Lakers.
The addition of a second-round pick will be viewed quite favorably by the franchise. But the arrival of Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber could also be considered worthwhile.
As constructed, the Suns are lacking in point guard depth. Recent reports suggest that Jalen Green will be taking over point guard duties. Still, this leaves the Suns in an awkward position due to the limited availability of experienced point guards off the bench.
Vincent’s acquisition could prove to be a solution to this issue. The 29-year-old has proven himself to be a solid veteran point guard. Although he was limited to the role of a catch-and-shoot player with the Lakers, the veteran guard has been reliable as a secondary playmaker and on-ball defender.
Given Phoenix’s lack of effective point-of-attack defenders in the backcourt, acquiring Vincent could be quite useful. His averages of 6.4 points and 1.4 assists per game on 40.0% shooting overall could also see an uptick in a more relevant role.
Meanwhile, Kleber’s addition serves to fill out Phoenix’s frontcourt. The Suns boast a fairly solid big man rotation, especially with the acquisition of Mark Williams and the selection of Khaman Maluach in the draft. In this regard, Kleber could be a solid veteran presence off the bench.
Kleber has showcased tremendous basketball IQ during his time in the NBA. Although his offensive production is limited for the most part, he presents some upside as a lob threat and a floor spacing big man.
Last season, the German center missed a large portion of the season due to injury, finishing with an average of 3.0 points and 2.8 rebounds per game on 38.5% shooting from the field. However, he has been touted for his intelligence, which translates to solid performances on both ends of the floor.
Adding a veteran like Kleber could be significant in aiding the development of their young big man rotation, particularly Maluach. While it is unlikely for him to receive much playing time, he could add value as a mentor.
Aside from their potential contributions to the team, the two veterans also have upside due to their contract situation. With a combined value of $22.5 million in expiring contracts coming off the books next summer, Phoenix could look at restructuring its rebuild around this additional cap space.
How Does Allen Help The Lakers Improve?
Considering the departure of a key rotation player like Dorian Finney-Smith in the offseason, the Purple and Gold need to reinforce their wing depth. In this regard, acquiring a player like Grayson Allen could prove to be quite significant.
Allen has carved out an impressive career for himself as a 3-and-D specialist in the NBA. Although he carries a reputation as a “dirty” player, he still possesses the necessary skills to be a key contributor on any team he is a part of.
Last season, the veteran guard averaged 10.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 0.8 steals in 24.1 minutes played per game. He also displayed elite efficiency, shooting 44.8% from the field and 42.6% from three.
When examining the Lakers’ current squad, they possess some impressive offensive talent. But it is also clear that they lack a reliable catch-and-shoot perimeter threat outside of Rui Hachimura.
While Dalton Knecht could eventually fit in the same role, he still needs time to develop. Given L.A.’s plans to contend for the title in the immediate future, acquiring Allen may better align with their plans.
Acquiring the veteran guard also has added benefits for the Lakers.
Allen is expected to have a $16.8 million cap hit in the upcoming season. With $22.5 million in outgoing salaries from Kleber and Vincent’s contracts, the Lakers could expect roughly $5.7 million freed up in cap space.
With a 13-man roster and significant room before being hard-capped at the first apron, the Lakers could make a key signing or facilitate another trade to improve their overall roster strength.
The Lakers Should Go All-In To Contend
The upcoming season is a promising one for the Lakers. With Luka Doncic being in the best shape of his career and the front office delivering a team catered to their star’s skill set, Los Angeles is set up to compete. But there is another important storyline that could act as motivation for the team.
LeBron James is heading into his 23rd season in the NBA. At 40, nearing 41, James is well into the final stages of his career. While some rumors suggest that he could play longer, it is clear that he cannot carry this team to glory anymore.
With this in mind, the Lakers have been urged to make the most of the situation and attempt to go all-in and form a team that can contend for the championship. Given that Doncic has also bought into this idea, the front office would be advised to make a renewed effort to bolster the rotation.
