10 Players Who Should Be On Lakers’ Radar Ahead Of Trade Deadline

The Los Angeles Lakers came out swinging to start the 2024-25 season, winning three straight games and looking like they were ready to dominate. Things got a little shaky in the middle, but they’ve bounced back strong and now sit at 10-5, holding down the fourth spot in the West.

All offseason and even into this season, the Lakers have been all over the trade rumor mill. They’ve been linked to guys like Walker Kessler and Cameron Johnson, showing that they’re serious about beefing up the roster. The front office is clearly on the hunt to find more help for LeBron James and Anthony Davis to keep the good vibes going and stay in the contender conversation.

With the trade deadline creeping up, the Lakers should be checking out players who could be that solid third option alongside their stars. They know this is their shot to patch up any weak spots and keep the momentum rolling. Adding the right pieces could make all the difference in keeping them in the championship mix.

1. Trae Young

 

Potential Trade Offer For Young: D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, Max Christie, 2029 First-Round Pick

Trae Young’s name was all over trade rumors this past offseason, and of course, the Lakers were one of the teams mentioned. They’ve been on the hunt for another star to pair with LeBron and Davis, and Trae seemed like a perfect fit. Instead, the Hawks decided to move Dejounte Murray to the Pelicans, signaling they might be open to reworking their roster.

Right now, the Hawks are sitting at 7-9, which puts them in seventh place in the East—technically a playoff spot but not exactly convincing. They’ve got some exciting young pieces, though. No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher has already dropped a 30-piece, and players like Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu are showing potential. With that kind of youth movement, the Hawks might decide it’s time to move on from Trae and fully lean into a rebuild.

Stat-wise, Young is still solid, averaging 21.9 points, 11.6 assists, and 3.9 boards, though his shooting percentages (38.0 FG% and 34.1% from three) are a bit shaky. Compare that to D’Angelo Russell’s 11.8 points and 4.9 assists on 39.7% shooting, and you can see why Trae would be such a massive upgrade for the Lakers. He’s the type of scorer who can take over games, something they’re missing outside of LeBron and Davis.

A deal like Russell, Vanderbilt, Vincent, Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick could be tempting for the Hawks. It gives them depth, flexibility, and more assets to build around their young core. For the Lakers, getting Trae would mean fixing their point guard issues and giving them another go-to option in big moments. It’s the kind of move that could elevate them to legit title contenders.

2. Damian Lillard

 

Potential Trade Offer For Lillard: D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt, Max Christie, Cam Reddish, Maxwell Lewis, 2029 First-Round Pick, 2031 First-Round Pick

The Bucks are off to a rough 6-9 start, and the vibes aren’t great. There’s been nonstop chatter about Giannis potentially leaving, which has everyone wondering what the future holds for the team. In the middle of all that drama, Damian Lillard is still doing Dame things—he hit a game-winning layup against the Rockets recently and has been putting up solid numbers this season: 24.8 points, 7.2 assists, and 4.6 rebounds. His three-point shot is a bit off at 31.5%, but we all know Dame is still a walking bucket.

The Lakers have been circling Lillard for years now, with rumors popping up every offseason about their interest in pairing him with LeBron. If the Bucks are open to it, a trade could actually make sense. They could use some defensive help, and guys like Reaves, Vanderbilt, and Reddish would give them exactly that. Plus, those 2029 and 2031 first-rounders might end up being gold if the Lakers fall off in the future.

For the Lakers, this is the kind of move that could push them over the top. Dame would instantly become their go-to scorer in crunch time, taking some of the load off LeBron and Davis. Sure, his shooting numbers aren’t amazing right now, but we’re talking about one of the most clutch players in NBA history. Adding him gives them a legit shot at another ring.

For the Bucks, it’s a chance to stay competitive while also planning for the future. They get younger, fix some defensive issues, and pick up two potentially valuable picks down the road. It’s a tough trade for them after letting go of Jure Holiday, but it could work out for both teams, depending on how things shake out this season.

3. Myles Turner

 

Potential Trade Offer For Turner: D’Angelo Russell, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2029 First-Round Pick

Myles Turner has basically lived in trade rumors for years, and the Lakers are always one of the teams in the mix. This season, Turner’s been solid, averaging 17.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks in 13 games, while shooting an impressive 41.8% from deep. Meanwhile, the Pacers are off to a rough 6-9 start, sitting 10th in the East. It’s a big drop-off after making the Eastern Conference Finals last season, and part of it comes down to Tyrese Haliburton not playing at the level we’re used to seeing from him.

Turner’s contract situation makes things interesting—he’s on an expiring $19.9 million deal, just like D’Angelo Russell’s $18.3 million contract. Swapping Turner for Russell would clear the books for the Pacers while giving them a nice future first-round pick in 2029. Add in Jalen Hood-Schifino, a young player with potential, and it’s a package the Pacers might actually consider.

For the Lakers, Turner would be a perfect fit next to Anthony Davis in the frontcourt. His shot-blocking and ability to stretch the floor would complement Davis’ skill set perfectly. Together, they’d create one of the best defensive duos in the league while giving the offense a much-needed boost with Turner’s shooting and scoring.

Sure, giving up Hood-Schifino and a future pick stings a bit for a player who will hit free agency in the summer, but the immediate upgrade makes it worth it. Adding Turner would help solidify the Lakers as serious contenders and give them a lineup that could hang with anyone in the league. For the Pacers, it’s a chance to reset a bit, free up some money, and pick up assets for the future. Feels like a win-win.

4. Nic Claxton

 

Potential Trade Offer For Claxton: Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2029 First-Round Pick, 2025 Second-Round Pick, 2030 Second-Round Pick

Nic Claxton has been steady for the Nets this season, putting up 8.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. After trading Mikal Bridges to the Knicks, the Nets were expected to tank hard this season, but they’ve actually been much better than people thought. Sitting at 6-9, they’ve been competitive in more games than expected, even if their record doesn’t scream “success.”

This past offseason, Claxton signed a four-year extension worth about $27.5 million a year. He earned it, too—he was in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation not long ago and has proven to be one of the more versatile defensive bigs in the league. That said, the Nets could still look to move him if the right package comes along, especially as they try to build a younger, long-term core.

For the Lakers, Claxton would be a massive addition. Pairing him with Anthony Davis would make the frontcourt a nightmare for opponents. Between Claxton’s shot-blocking and AD’s defensive dominance, they’d have one of the best paint defenses in the league. On offense, Claxton’s athleticism would give the Lakers another lob threat while not clogging up space for their stars with Davis’ improved spacing and three-point volume.

The trade package here is pretty solid for the Nets, too. They’d get a young guard in Hood-Schifino, who still has upside, along with a future first-round pick in 2029 and two second-rounders. Hachimura and Vanderbilt would keep the team competitive in the short term while giving them flexibility to make more moves later. Both sides get what they need, and it feels like a deal that could make sense.

5. Walker Kessler

 

Potential Trade Offer For Kessler: Max Christie, 2029 First-Round Pick, 2025 Second-Round Pick (via Clippers), 2025 Second-Round Pick

The Lakers have been keeping an eye on Walker Kessler for a while now, hoping to shore up their frontcourt defense. There have been plenty of rumors linking the team to the Jazz big man, but the Jazz are not making it easy—they reportedly shot down any talks involving D’Angelo Russell in a deal.

This season, Kessler’s been one of the few bright spots for the Jazz, who are struggling with a rough 3-11 record. He’s averaging 9.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game while shooting an efficient 68.6% from the field. His shot-blocking and rebounding have been huge, but they just haven’t been enough to turn things around for the Jazz.

For the Lakers, Kessler would be a perfect fit alongside Anthony Davis. Imagine that frontcourt—Kessler protecting the rim and grabbing boards while Davis does a little bit of everything. It would give the Lakers one of the best defensive duos in the league, and Kessler’s efficiency around the basket would be a nice bonus on offense.

As for the Jazz, the trade package isn’t bad. They’d get a young player in Max Christie and some solid draft picks, including a first-rounder in 2029 and two seconds in 2025. For a team that’s clearly in a rebuild, those assets could be valuable down the road. Losing Kessler would hurt, but if the Jazz are serious about focusing on the future, this could be the kind of deal that makes sense for both sides.

6. Cameron Johnson

 

Potential Trade Offer For Johnson: Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, 2029 First-Round Pick

If the Lakers can’t land Nic Claxton, another Nets player who could make a lot of sense for them is Cameron Johnson. The Lakers were reportedly interested in Johnson this past offseason, and it’s easy to see why. With his ability to shoot from deep, defend multiple positions, and provide some playmaking, he’s exactly the kind of player they need on the wing.

So far this season, Johnson has been quietly putting up solid numbers for the Nets, averaging 18.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. He’s shooting 47.9% from the field and 39.3% from three-point range across 15 games. His consistency from deep and versatility on both ends would give the Lakers a huge boost, especially as they look to solidify their rotation around LeBron and AD.

The proposed package of Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, and a 2029 first-round pick could be tempting for the Nets. With their current focus on flexibility and asset collection, getting two solid role players and a future first-rounder might help them stay competitive while keeping their long-term rebuild in mind.

For the Lakers, adding Johnson would bring a reliable scoring option and much-needed shooting to their lineup. His ability to space the floor would open things up for LeBron and AD to operate, while his defensive versatility would help them hold up on the other end. If the Lakers are serious about making a run this season, Johnson might be one of the better options available to them.

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7. Zach LaVine

 

Potential Trade Offer For LaVine: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, 2029 First-Round Pick

The Lakers have been linked to Zach LaVine since the offseason, with plenty of rumors suggesting they could target him to add another scorer alongside LeBron and AD. The Bulls, meanwhile, are in a weird spot. Sitting at 6-10, they’re clearly not contenders, but they’re not fully committed to a rebuild either. With DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso gone, and Nikola Vucevic still in town, it feels like the Bulls are just delaying the inevitable teardown. Trading LaVine could be the first domino to fall.

LaVine is putting up strong numbers this season, averaging 22.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists over 13 games. He’s shooting 51.2% from the field and 43.0% from three, showing off the efficient scoring that makes him such a coveted player. However, his three-year, $129.9 million contract (plus a $48.9 million player option for 2027-28) means any team trading for him needs to be all-in on their championship window.

For the Lakers, LaVine would bring elite scoring and shooting, something they desperately need to complement LeBron and AD. His ability to create his own shot and knock down threes would open up the floor for the Lakers’ stars, giving them a much-needed offensive boost.

On the Bulls' side, this deal would help them move toward a rebuild. Russell, Hachimura, and Vincent could serve as short-term contributors or future trade assets, while the 2029 first-round pick gives them another piece to plan for the future. With the team already struggling, pulling the trigger on a LaVine trade might be the clean slate they need to start over.

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8. Clint Capela

 

Potential Trade Offer For Capela: D’Angelo Russell, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2025 Second-Round Pick (via Clippers), 2030 Second-Round Pick

If landing someone like Walker Kessler or Nic Claxton ends up being too pricey for the Lakers, Clint Capela could be a more realistic option to address their needs at center. The Hawks might be willing to move him as they look to retool with younger players surrounding Trae Young.

Capela has been his usual self this season, averaging 11.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 16 games. He’s shooting a strong 61.1% from the field, showing his efficiency as a pick-and-roll finisher. On the defensive end, he still provides value with his rim protection and rebounding, making him a solid anchor for any team looking to improve their interior presence.

What makes Capela even more appealing is his contract. He’s on an expiring $22.2 million deal, which gives the Lakers flexibility if they want to keep their options open for next summer. Trading for him wouldn’t lock them into a long-term commitment, but he could still make a big impact this season.

For the Hawks, a package like this gives them some decent short-term options and future assets. D’Angelo Russell could help as a stopgap guard, Jalen Hood-Schifino has developmental potential, and the second-round picks give them some future capital. If the Hawks are looking to pivot to Onyeka Okongwu while staying competitive, this deal might work for both sides.

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9. Dennis Schroder

 

Potential Trade Offer For Schroder: D’Angelo Russell, Jalen Hood-Schifino

The Lakers have their eyes on a few Nets players, and Dennis Schroder is definitely one of them. He’s having a great season so far, putting up 17.8 points, 6.5 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game, while shooting an impressive 44.9% from the field and 41.4% from three. With numbers like that, it’s clear why he’s on their radar.

Schroder’s no stranger to the Lakers. He’s already suited up for them twice, and his familiarity with their system makes him an easy fit if they’re looking to shake things up at the guard spot. Right now, they could really use his shooting, playmaking, and ability to take some pressure off the offense.

From the Nets’ perspective, moving Schroder could make sense. He’s on a $13 million deal, and with Ben Simmons’ $40 million coming off the books after this season, clearing Schroder’s salary would give them even more flexibility for the offseason. Russell’s expiring contract gives them that short-term relief, and adding Hood-Schifino gives the Nets a young guard with upside to work with.

For the Lakers, this deal is about fixing their backcourt inconsistency and adding someone who can shoot and run the offense effectively. Schroder is playing some of his best basketball right now, and his ability to contribute immediately would make a huge difference. The Nets, meanwhile, get to keep their rebuild moving while clearing even more cap space for next summer.

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10. Jonas Valanciunas

 

Potential Trade Offer For Valanciunas: Jarred Vanderbilt, 2025 Second-Round Pick (via Clippers), 2025 Second-Round Pick

The Lakers have reportedly had their eyes on Jonas Valanciunas as they look to beef up their frontcourt. Word around the league is that Valanciunas could be a legit option for them, especially with his consistent production in the paint.

Valanciunas has been solid this season, putting up 12.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game for the Wizards. But let’s be real—the Wizards are sitting at a brutal 2-11, and they’re clearly in full-on rebuild mode. They apparently picked up Valanciunas for $10 million a season just to flip him later for assets, so it’s no surprise his name is popping up in trade talks.

Adding Valanciunas would bring some much-needed size and rebounding to the Lakers’ lineup. He’d give them a strong presence inside to complement AD, plus he’s a reliable scorer in the post. The proposed deal—Vanderbilt and a couple of second-round picks—gives the Wizards a young defensive piece and some draft assets for their rebuild, which feels like a win for them, too.

This is one of those trades that makes sense for both sides. The Wizards can keep stockpiling assets, and the Lakers get a veteran big man who can step in and make an immediate impact. It’s not flashy, but it could be a move that helps the Lakers keep pushing in the West.