In this article, we’ll examine potential trade targets for the Los Angeles Lakers, even though the 2023–24 NBA season is still early.
The Los Angeles Lakers, with a 5-5 record, are off to a respectable start in the 2023–24 NBA season. To defeat teams like the Denver Nuggets or Phoenix Suns, the team may need to make additional roster additions during the season. Nevertheless, the team still faces a steep hill to climb in order to win the NBA Championship. The Los Angeles Lakers have three trade targets that could help them reach their objective, and we’ll identify and talk about them in this article.
The Lakers’ current campaign
The Lakers’ 2023–24 NBA season has gotten off to a largely positive start. The group, which is led by Anthony Davis and LeBron James, has put on some outstanding performances. However, they have also struggled with incoherence. As a result, they have lost games that they ought to have won. The team has also been impacted by injuries, as players like Taurean Prince and Rui Hachimura have missed a few games because of minor ailments.
From one angle, the Lakers have started the 2023–24 season flawlessly at home (4-0), but they have had a lot of difficulty away from home (1–5). The team has fallen short of the lofty standards set for this season, despite an incredible run to the Western Conference Finals the previous season. The Lakers’ current play style is more akin to the team that started the season 2–10 than it is to the one that prevailed in the postseason against the Golden State Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies. There are concerns about whether the team should make roster adjustments, look into trade possibilities for a third star, or go into panic mode. This is particularly true as the unofficial trade season is about to begin in mid-December.
Even though the 2023–24 NBA season is still early, the Los Angeles Lakers can still consider these trade targets.
Zach LaVine
Zach LaVine from Chicago is one of the targets. The proposed trade would send D’Angelo Russell, Hachimura, Prince, Jalen Hood-Schifino, and a future draft pick to the Lakers along with LaVine and two other Bulls players.
But the real query is: Would the Bulls even entertain the idea of a total rebuild? LaVine, who is getting close to 29 years old and has experienced knee problems, is arguably the team’s main star. In addition, he has a four-year contract that is still owed $178.1 million.
It’s true that his three-point shooting percentage this season (about 32%) is below average. Nevertheless, LaVine has proven to be a dependable, prolific shooter throughout his professional career. He has scored about 20 points a night on average and nearly 40 percent of his points have come from deep. LaVine might not make a big difference in the Lakers’ defense, but he could lessen the scoring load on James and Davis. But the Lakers’ options would be limited by his high price under the hard cap. The Lakers would also have to pay a higher total because it includes a future first-round pick.
Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving is constantly in the market for trades. Russell, Hachimura, and Hood-Schifino would be acquired by the Lakers in exchange for Irving and Markieff Morris. Irving could forego his trade bonus in order to make the trade possible.
Ever since Irving left the Brooklyn Nets, the Lakers have continued to be interested in him. This offseason, Irving inked a three-year, $120 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks. For the last season, he has a player option as well. The Mavs are rumored to be considering a different path despite their bright start to the season. This might make things easier for the Lakers.
Although James and Irving’s relationship has improved, Irving’s large starting salary of $39 million remains the primary obstacle. Unlikely incentives that go against the Lakers’ hard cap are also included in this. The Lakers will definitely need to include players like Russell and Hachimura if they want to make the finances work. It also goes without saying that James, Davis, and Irving as the Big Three would be a lock for the championship, if not the clear favorite.
Let’s now focus on Trail Blazers player Malcolm Brogdon. While it may not seem like the best option, a possible deal could send Brogdon to Portland along with Russell and Hood-Schifino.
Though the Lakers are currently confident in Russell, doubts remain because of what happened late in the previous campaign. Russell, the post-trade deadline incumbent starting point guard, suffered a loss in the Western Conference Finals. In a crucial Game 4, he was even left out of the starting lineup and received less playing time.
Given Russell’s compatibility—or lack thereof—with James, the Lakers may decide to fold their losses if their synergy doesn’t improve by mid-December, when Russell becomes tradeable.
This makes a possible agreement tenable for Brogdon. He is thought to be a better running partner for Davis and James. Brogdon is a desirable option for the Lakers because of his defensive prowess, versatility on both ends of the court, and ability to play on or off the ball. Naturally, this is assuming he stays healthy. He played 75 games as a rookie but hasn’t played 70 since.
Looking Ahead
When speculating about possible trades for the Los Angeles Lakers, scenarios involving Malcolm Brogdon, Zach LaVine, and Kyrie Irving present interesting possibilities. The Lakers’ continued interest in these dynamic guards is evident in the proposed trades, despite their challenges brought on by roster changes and financial concerns. The Lakers would be able to improve their backcourt dynamics and solve any possible fit issues if they were to acquire any of them. These trade talks offer a sneak peek at the potential strategic moves the Lakers might make to maximize their roster as the NBA season goes on. In the end, how these trade scenarios turn out may have a big impact on how the team performs going forward in the league’s competitive landscape.