The Los Angeles Lakers are off to an intriguing start in the 2024-25 NBA season. With championship aspirations and aging veterans like LeBron James, the front office will undoubtedly be exploring potential trade opportunities to bolster the roster before the trade deadline. To strengthen their position as title contenders, the Lakers may need to address depth, shooting, or defensive concerns. Here’s a look at some teams they could target for trades in the coming months.
1. Indiana Pacers
The Pacers are a team filled with talented young players and several veterans on expiring contracts. With a potential rebuild on the horizon, they could look to offload players who don’t fit their long-term plans. Key players such as Buddy Hield or Myles Turner, both rumored to be on the Lakers’ radar in the past, could be prime candidates for a trade.
Buddy Hield: A three-point sharpshooter, Hield could provide the Lakers with elite shooting, something they desperately need to space the floor for LeBron and Anthony Davis.
-Myles Turner: Turner offers interior defense and shot-blocking, making him an ideal complement to Davis in the frontcourt. He can also stretch the floor with his ability to hit threes, giving the Lakers flexibility on offense.
2. Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are another team potentially looking to hit the reset button. While they’ve had a solid core of players, their inability to consistently contend in the Eastern Conference could lead to some roster shakeups. The Lakers might be interested in a few of their veterans, especially if Chicago decides to go in a younger direction.
-Zach LaVine: If the Bulls make him available, LaVine could be the dynamic scorer and wing option that the Lakers have been missing. His ability to create his own shot and handle the ball would ease some of the playmaking burden off LeBron.
DeMar DeRozan**: A Los Angeles native, DeRozan could bring scoring, mid-range shooting, and veteran leadership. Though not known for his three-point shooting, DeRozan’s ability to get to the rim and draw fouls would add another dimension to the Lakers’ offense.
3. Toronto Raptors
The Raptors have a mix of veterans and young stars, but there are questions about whether they are in a position to contend or rebuild. Players like Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby could become available if the Raptors decide to shift towards building around their younger talent.
Pascal Siakam: A versatile forward, Siakam would give the Lakers an all-around player capable of scoring, rebounding, and defending multiple positions. His championship experience and ability to operate in the post or on the perimeter make him an ideal fit alongside Davis.
-OG Anunoby: One of the league’s top 3-and-D players, Anunoby would immediately upgrade the Lakers’ wing defense. His size, shooting, and ability to guard multiple positions would make him a perfect fit in Darvin Ham’s defensive schemes.
4. Portland Trail Blazers**
While Portland is building around young star Scoot Henderson, the team still has veterans who may not fit their long-term rebuild. The Lakers could look to target experienced players who could help them win immediately.
-Jerami Grant: A versatile forward who excels on both ends of the floor, Grant could be a key addition for the Lakers. His ability to score, defend multiple positions, and knock down threes would make him a valuable piece in the Lakers’ rotation.
-Malcolm Brogdon: Recently traded to Portland, Brogdon’s playmaking and shooting could provide the Lakers with a steady hand in the backcourt, offering some much-needed depth behind their starting guards.
5. Washington Wizards
The Wizards are deep in a rebuild after trading Bradley Beal, and they have a few veteran players who could be available for trade as they continue to accumulate assets for the future. The Lakers may look to Washington for potential deals involving role players to add depth.
-Tyus Jones: A reliable point guard, Jones could provide the Lakers with valuable minutes off the bench, giving them more stability at the position. His excellent assist-to-turnover ratio and ability to manage the game could relieve some pressure from LeBron and the starting guards.
Kyle Kuzma: A former Laker, Kuzma could make for an intriguing reunion. He’s expanded his game in Washington, and his scoring, rebounding, and defensive versatility would fill several needs for Los Angeles.
6. Utah Jazz
The Jazz, stocked with young talent and future draft picks, may consider moving on from their veteran players as they continue to focus on development. For the Lakers, Utah could be a source of depth and role players to fill gaps in the roster.
-Kelly Olynyk: A stretch big man, Olynyk would provide the Lakers with size, floor spacing, and playmaking from the center position. His ability to hit threes would complement Anthony Davis and give the Lakers another offensive option in their frontcourt.
-Jordan Clarkson**: Another former Laker, Clarkson has evolved into a dynamic scoring guard. His ability to generate offense off the bench would give the Lakers a scoring punch in their second unit.
Conclusion
As the 2024-25 season progresses, the Lakers will likely keep a close eye on teams looking to rebuild or shift direction. With LeBron James in the twilight of his career and Anthony Davis still in his prime, the front office will need to explore all avenues to maximize their championship window. Whether it’s adding shooting, playmaking, or defense, these teams present intriguing trade possibilities that could help the Lakers in their pursuit of another title.
Stay tuned, as the Lakers’ trade market is sure to heat up as the season unfolds.
Leave a Reply