8 Potential Trades That Could Transform the Lakers’ Season

8 Potential Trades That Could Transform the Lakers’ Season.

The Lakers find themselves in a familiar position under Rob Pelinka – hovering around .500 with clear roster needs as the trade deadline approaches. At 11-7, Los Angeles have some intriguing options available that could improve their championship hopes. 1. JONAS VALANCIUNAS The most discussed target on the Lakers’ rumor mill continues to be Jonas Valanciunas, who becomes trade-eligible on December 15th. The Wizards center is averaging 11.8 points and 7.6 rebounds on a team-friendly $30.3 million deal. Acquiring Valanciunas could provide a powerful interior presence that LA desperately needs in order to ease the pressure on Anthony Davis

2. ZACH LAVINE AND TORREY CRAIG Another potential blockbuster trade would send D’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, and Rui Hachimura to Chicago for Zach LaVine and Torrey Craig. LaVine’s explosive scoring (20.4 PPG) and athleticism would give the Lakers a legitimate third star, though it would significantly deplete their depth. 3. NIKOLA VUCEVIC Several commentars have suggested that the Bulls could also be a partner in a deal centered around Nikola Vucevic, who’s putting up impressive numbers (20.4 points, 9.9 rebounds), making a manageable $20 million annually. In this scenerio, the Lakers would send D’Angelo Russell and draft capital to the Bulls in order to get the deal done.

 

4. NIC CLAXTON Another interesting option for the Lakers is the Nets’ Nic Claxton. Claxton is averaging 8.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks. His $97 million contract over four years is hefty, but his two-way impact could justify the investment, providing the Lakers with much needed defensive support.

 

5. ROBERT WILLIAMS III A cheaper (relatively speaking) option for the Lakers is Portland’s Robert Williams III. Williams is currently making $12.4 million, the ex-Celtic offers championship experience coupled with phenomenal rim protection (1.9 blocks per game). His reasonable salary makes him an attractive target because he’ll require minimal outgoing salary. 6. JAKOB POELTL The Raptors have shown interest in Hachimura previously, potentially opening the door for a Jakob Poeltl deal. Toronto’s asking price remains high, but Poeltl would give LA their best defensive center of the LeBron era.

 

7. CAMERON JOHNSON AND DORIAN FINNEY-SMITH Rumor has it that the Lakers have considered an ambitious swing trade that would package Russell, Hood-Schifino and draft picks to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Cameron Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith. The move would dramatically improve LA’s wing depth and perimeter defense.

 

8. MARCUS SMART The most intriguing wild card? Marcus Smart, whose $20.2 million salary matches Russell’s expiring deal. The Grizzlies’ asking price of two first-rounders is steep, but Smart’s defensive intensity and leadership could be transformative. Although history suggests that Pelinka’s wait until closer to the trade deadline to make any significant moves, the Lakers might not have that luxury this season. Their defensive struggles and lack of depth at the center position demand more immediate action. Whether it’s addressing their big man depth with Valanciunas or Williams, adding wing defense with Smart or the Brooklyn duo, or swinging big for LaVine, the next few weeks could define the Lakers’ championship aspirations. With LeBron showing no signs of slowing down and Anthony Davis playing at an elite level, the pressure is on for the front office to maximize what could be one of their final chances at a title with this core.