The Los Angeles Lakers are known for their bold moves, but acquiring a superstar like Damian Lillard would be one of the boldest in franchise history. Lillard is in the middle of trying to keep the Milwaukee Bucks in title contention after starting the season 2-7, and things are looking very ugly for the team. It could be possible that Giannis Antetokounmpo might decide to leave if things don’t go well, and Milwaukee cannot risk changes to that magnitude.
Meanwhile, the 5-4 Lakers seemed to have discovered their form under new head coach JJ Redick to start the season but have fallen off the mark over the last few games. The same issues are arising: poor play from role players and (of course) Anthony Davis getting banged up early. The Lakers can’t afford to believe in their role players and might be in a zone to go all-in to build around LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
To give the Milwaukee Bucks a fresh start while creating a Big Three, the Lakers could put together a strong trade package to acquire superstar Damian Lillard and we have a package that could show what it can look like.
Potential Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Damian Lillard, MarJon Beauchamp
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt, Max Christie, Skylar Mays (Fenerbache), 2029 First-Round Pick
How Is This Trade Possible?
Given the Lakers’ financial constraints, this trade would require some intricate maneuvering. Currently, the Lakers sit above the first luxury tax apron, limiting their spending flexibility, while the Milwaukee Bucks are hovering above the even more restrictive second apron. Both teams face tight salary restrictions, meaning any trade must fit precisely within salary-matching rules to avoid further penalties.
Here’s where the Lakers’ front office can get creative. The NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) has established specific limits for teams above the first and second aprons. This means neither team can take on additional salary in a trade, so any deal involving Lillard would have to be precisely structured, with the outgoing salaries matching those of the incoming ones.
To pull this off, the Lakers would have to follow the method recently used by teams like the Knicks, Timberwolves, and Hornets—signing current players to team-friendly contracts that can then be aggregated in a trade. Let’s dive into the numbers a little bit more in terms of player salary.
Damian Lillard is making $48,787,676 this season while MarJon Beauchamp is on $2,733,720. The Lakers are sending D’Angelo Russell ($18,692,307), Austin Reaves ($12,976,362), Jarred Vanderbilt ($10,714,286), and Max Christie ($7,142,857) to make the numbers work. The team would need to sign Mays from Fenerbahce for exactly $2,709,870, an offer the point guard would be happy to take to make this deal work all around.
What Do The Bucks Get In Return?
For the Bucks, trading Damian Lillard would be a difficult move but one that could address some pressing roster needs. In D’Angelo Russell, they would receive a proven scorer and playmaker who can handle point guard duties and spread the floor with his shooting. Russell is averaging 12.7 points and 5.4 assists per game so far this season, with a 30.8% from three-point range. He is not playing his best basketball, but he did drop 18.0 points and 6.3 assists per game last season and could add another perimeter threat around Giannis Antetokounmpo. His ability to run the offense would allow Giannis to play more off the ball, giving Milwaukee more versatility in their schemes.
Austin Reaves showcased his potential during the Lakers’ playoff run in 2023 and even last season as a starter. He’s not just a capable shooter—hitting 37.5% from deep this season—but also a savvy playmaker and defender. Reaves is also playing well, dropping 17.8 points and 5.1 assists per game. His gritty play style and willingness to step up in big moments would add a dynamic two-way option for the Bucks, helping them retain a competitive edge in the Eastern Conference.
Additionally, the Bucks would gain two solid role players in Jarred Vanderbilt and Max Christie, both of whom add youth and defensive intensity. Vanderbilt is known for his relentless energy, rebounding, and defensive versatility, qualities that could help fill the gaps left by Jrue Holiday’s departure.
Meanwhile, Christie, though still developing, has shown potential as a sharpshooter and perimeter defender. The inclusion of a 2029 first-round pick also provides Milwaukee with a valuable future asset, giving them the flexibility to either rebuild or trade for more pieces down the line. This haul would give the Bucks depth, flexibility, and youth—ensuring they remain competitive while planning for the future.
Lakers Create A Monster Big Three In The Western Conference
If the Lakers can pull off this trade, they will assemble one of the most formidable trios in recent NBA history. Damian Lillard brings instant firepower, averaging 27.3 points and 6.7 assists per game this season, along with an impressive 36.9% shooting from beyond the arc. Known for his clutch performances, “Dame Time” would provide the Lakers with a late-game closer to take pressure off LeBron James, who at 39 can now focus on facilitating and controlling the tempo without shouldering as much scoring responsibility.
Adding Lillard to a roster that already boasts LeBron and Anthony Davis would make the Lakers a matchup nightmare. LeBron, a four-time MVP and one of the best passers in the league would have a reliable scoring partner in Lillard to complement Davis’ dominant inside presence. AD is having a stellar season himself, averaging 32.4 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game, proving he’s still a top-tier two-way threat. With Lillard on board, the Lakers would be capable of running multiple offensive sets, blending perimeter shooting with inside dominance in a way few teams could counter.
Beyond just the scoring, Lillard’s leadership and experience in high-stakes situations would elevate the Lakers’ playoff readiness. He’s one of only 10 players in NBA history with over 2,000 career three-pointers, a testament to his shooting prowess and longevity. Lillard’s ability to perform under pressure, combined with LeBron and AD’s championship experience, would set the Lakers up as serious title contenders. In a Western Conference packed with talent, a Big Three of Lillard, LeBron, and Davis could finally give the Lakers the edge they need to compete with top teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, and Denver Nuggets.
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