The Los Angeles Lakers have championship aspirations, and with LeBron James and Anthony Davis still leading the charge under new head coach JJ Redick, expectations in L.A. are as high as ever. The team has shown flashes of brilliance this season, particularly with Austin Reaves emerging as the Lakers’ third option, delivering his best campaign yet with averages of 18.3 points, 5.9 assists, and 4.3 rebounds. 
However, inconsistency on both ends of the floor has plagued the team, as they currently rank 15th in offensive rating and 19th in defensive rating—far from the standards of a contender. Their 20-16 record isn't exactly impressive as they are battling to stay out of a play-in spot in the Western Conference.
While fans might dream of splashy trades for stars like Jimmy Butler or Zach LaVine, the Lakers’ assets and cap situation make such blockbuster moves unlikely. Instead, the team may need to explore smaller, effective deals to patch their weaknesses before the February trade deadline.
They’ve already shipped out D’Angelo Russell in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, providing depth and versatility. But suppose the Lakers truly want to make noise in the playoffs. In that case, more changes are necessary, especially in the form of additional playmaking, scoring, and a reliable big man to let Davis spend more time at his preferred power forward position.
The front office, led by GM Rob Pelinka, knows the window with LeBron and Davis isn’t getting any wider. With this in mind, the Lakers are scouring the league for cost-effective moves that could push them closer to contention. Let’s explore five realistic trade ideas that might not make headlines but could be exactly what this team needs to bolster its playoff push.
Lakers Get Two Players And FRP In Trade With Raptors
Dec 1, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Davion Mitchell (45) passes the ball against the Miami Heat in the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Kelly Olynyk, Davion Mitchell, 2030 First-Round Pick (TOR)
Toronto Raptors Receive: Rui Hachimura, Christian Wood
The Lakers receive veteran stretch big Kelly Olynyk and defensive guard Davion Mitchell, along with a 2030 first-round pick from the Raptors. In return, they part with Rui Hachimura and Christian Wood, two players who have struggled to find consistent roles at times although the former will be the player missed most should he depart.
Olynyk (6.4 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 44.0% from three this season) brings excellent floor spacing, high basketball IQ, and the ability to play both the four and five, a crucial need for a Lakers team ranked in the bottom half of the league in three-point shooting. Meanwhile, Mitchell is a scrappy on-ball defender who can help shore up a backcourt that lacks toughness.
Losing Hachimura (11.9 PPG, 5.1 RPG) is a blow, especially with his ability to play off LeBron James and attack mismatches in smaller lineups. However, his fit has been inconsistent, and Wood’s defensive liabilities (113.1 defensive rating last season without an appearance this season) make him expendable. Olynyk’s size and experience in pick-and-pop scenarios make him an excellent fit alongside Anthony Davis, while Mitchell adds guard depth and defensive tenacity, particularly useful in high-stakes playoff matchups.
Perhaps the most enticing part of this deal for the Lakers is the 2030 first-round pick, which provides future flexibility for additional trades. The Lakers may not get a superstar return here, but the combination of floor spacing, defense, and future assets could make this move a quiet win for a team desperate to maximize its current roster’s strengths.
Lakers Acquire Much-Needed Big Man
Dec 5, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards (4) dunks the ball against the New York Knicks during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Nick Richards
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Jalen Hood-Schifino, Jaxson Hayes, 2025 Second-Round Pick (LAC)
The Lakers address their glaring need for a reliable center by acquiring Nick Richards from the Hornets in exchange for Jalen Hood-Schifino, Jaxson Hayes, and a second-round pick. Richards, averaging 9.2 points and 7.7 rebounds on 56.4% shooting, brings an interior presence who can protect the rim, rebound effectively, and allow Davis to slide to his preferred power forward role. His affordable contract also helps the Lakers maintain future cap flexibility while adding a valuable rotation piece.
While Hood-Schifino and Hayes have potential, neither has made a significant impact this season. Hood-Schifino’s 23.9% career shooting from the field and lack of defensive polish have limited his minutes, and Hayes hasn’t lived up to expectations as a backup center, contributing just 5.3 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. Richards, on the other hand, has proven to be a dependable rotation player who could thrive in a simplified role alongside superstars like LeBron and AD.
This trade doesn’t grab headlines, but it’s the type of under-the-radar move that could solidify the Lakers’ frontcourt depth. Richards’ energy and ability to hold his ground defensively make him an ideal complement to the team’s roster, especially against big teams in the West like Denver or Minnesota.
An Interesting 2-For-1 Trade
Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Ayo Donsunmu, Torrey Craig
Chicago Bulls Receive: Gabe Vincent, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
In this scenario, the Lakers add Ayo Dosunmu and Torrey Craig from the Bulls, trading away Gabe Vincent and a 2029 first-round pick. Dosunmu (12.6 PPG, 4.8 APG) is a young guard with upside as a secondary playmaker and defender, while Craig brings veteran experience, versatile defense, and three-point shooting (42.9% this season). Both players fill clear needs for a Lakers roster that has lacked consistent contributions from its role players.
Vincent (4.2 PPG, 1.- APG) has underwhelmed after signing with the Lakers, shooting just 31.9% from three and struggling to replicate the impact he had with the Heat during their Finals run. Moving on from him for a more dynamic guard in Dosunmu is a smart play. Craig, meanwhile, fits seamlessly into the Lakers’ wing rotation with his ability to guard multiple positions and knock down corner threes, something the Lakers desperately need.
Although giving up a future first-round pick isn’t ideal, the Lakers have to prioritize winning now. Dosunmu and Craig may not be stars, but their versatility and skill sets make them valuable additions who can help the team compete in a deep Western Conference.
Lakers Bring On A New Starting Center With Potential
Jan 2, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Day'Ron Sharpe (20) runs up court during the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Day'Ron Sharpe
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Jalen-Hood Schifino, Cam Redish, 2025 Second-Round Pick (LAC)
Day’Ron Sharpe offers the Lakers a young, developing big man who has shown flashes of promise with the Nets. Averaging 7.3 points and 6.0 rebounds in 16.9 minutes per game, Sharpe has the physicality and rebounding instincts to fill the Lakers’ void at center. The team trades Jalen Hood-Schifino, Cam Reddish, and a second-round pick for Sharpe, giving up underperforming assets to address a significant need.
Sharpe’s mobility and ability to finish around the rim make him a strong pick-and-roll option alongside LeBron or Austin Reaves. His rebounding and rim protection offer defensive stability, which has been lacking when Davis isn’t on the floor. At just 23 years old, Sharpe could also grow into a larger role over time, making him both a short-term and long-term asset.
While Reddish has had moments of brilliance, his inconsistency has left him outside of the rotation. Hood-Schifino’s struggles as a rookie also make him expendable in a win-now situation. Adding Sharpe gives the Lakers a reliable big man who can develop into a core piece, making this trade a low-risk, high-reward move.
Last-Ditch Attempt For Robert Williams
Nov 20, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) drives to the basket against Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (35) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Robert Williams
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Cam Reddish
If the Lakers want to swing for a more established big man, trading Jarred Vanderbilt and Cam Reddish for Robert Williams might be their best option. Williams, averaging 6.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks this season, is a proven rim protector and defensive anchor who could transform the Lakers’ interior defense. His playoff experience and ability to impact the game without needing touches on offense make him a perfect fit alongside LeBron and Davis.
Vanderbilt’s defensive versatility has been valuable, but his lack of offensive production (6.1 PPG, 29% from three over his career) limits his ceiling. Reddish, while talented, hasn’t been consistent enough to warrant keeping over a player like Williams, who fills a much bigger need. Adding Williams allows the Lakers to maximize Davis’ effectiveness by letting him focus on scoring and perimeter defense, while Williams handles the dirty work inside.
This trade does come with risks, as Williams has struggled with injuries in the past. However, his upside as a defensive game-changer outweighs the concerns. For a team with championship aspirations, acquiring a player of Williams’ caliber could be the move that solidifies their title hopes.
Which Trade Is Best For The Lakers?
Out of all the proposed trades, the deal to acquire Robert Williams from the Trail Blazers stands out as the best option for the Lakers. Williams is a proven difference-maker on the defensive end, bringing elite rim protection, rebounding, and playoff experience—exactly what the Lakers need to complement Anthony Davis.
His presence would allow Davis to play his preferred position at power forward while fortifying the team’s interior defense against Western Conference juggernauts like Denver and Phoenix. While the Lakers would have to part with Jarred Vanderbilt and Cam Reddish, two players with intriguing potential, Williams’ immediate impact and ability to elevate the team’s defensive ceiling make this a worthwhile gamble for a team focused on winning now.
Though other trades, such as the acquisition of Nick Richards or Ayo Dosunmu and Torrey Craig, would address key rotational needs, Williams’ ability to anchor a championship-caliber defense outweighs the more modest benefits of those deals.
The Lakers have a narrow window to capitalize on LeBron James’ twilight years and Anthony Davis’ prime, and adding Williams could be the missing piece that propels them from playoff hopefuls to legitimate contenders. In a season where the Lakers rank 19th in defense, acquiring an elite defensive center like Williams is a move that could dramatically shift the team’s fortunes in their quest for banner No. 18.
