The Los Angeles Lakers have not made any major offseason moves this summer and Rob Pelinka has made it perfectly clear that they will only utilize their draft assets if it means acquiring players who will move the needle enough for the team in 2024-25.
While major targets such as Donovan Mitchell or Trae Young might not be available, the Lakers can target a former All-Star who is looking to return to his best, Khris Middleton. Middleton had a decent season last year posting 15.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game on 38.1% from three but might be able to return to his best level alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. With Pelinka likely feeling the pressure to make a major move, we propose a potential trade offer that could shake up the Western Conference this offseason.
Potential Trade Offer
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Khris Middleton
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Rui Hachimua, Gabe Vincent, Jalen-Hood Schifino, 2029 First-Round Pick
Let’s break down how this trade offer works for both teams involved and why it could realistically happen this summer.
Los Angeles Lakers Create A New Big Three
Khris Middleton’s fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis could bring balance to the team’s offensive and defensive schemes. Middleton has proven himself as an elite scorer and a reliable second or third option, especially during Milwaukee's 2021 championship run, where he averaged 24.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in the Finals. Even though he dealt with injuries last season, his ability to shoot from deep (38.1% from three) and defend multiple positions makes him an ideal fit alongside the Lakers’ stars. In clutch situations, Middleton’s smooth mid-range game could complement LeBron's playmaking and Davis' interior dominance, creating one of the most balanced trios in the NBA.
The Lakers have lacked consistent perimeter shooting and a reliable third-scoring option, making Middleton a valuable addition. His basketball IQ and veteran presence would take pressure off LeBron and Davis, especially during critical stretches. While Middleton’s scoring dropped to 15.1 points per game last season, it’s worth noting that he was working back from injury and playing in a system heavily reliant on Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. In a new role with the Lakers, where LeBron thrives in distributing and Davis draws double teams, Middleton could see a resurgence in his efficiency and scoring output, potentially reverting to his career-best form from his All-Star seasons.
Defensively, Middleton’s presence would enhance the Lakers' perimeter defense. At 6'7", he can guard multiple positions, which would help take some of the defensive load off of LeBron and allow the team to match up better against elite wing players in the Western Conference. In a league dominated by versatile wings, Middleton’s two-way capabilities could be the difference-maker for a Lakers team with championship aspirations.
Milwaukee Bucks Surround Giannis And Dame With Stronger Role Players
The Milwaukee Bucks, on the other hand, could benefit from this trade by surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard with younger, more versatile role players. Rui Hachimura offers the Bucks an athletic forward who thrives in transition and brings defensive versatility. Hachimura averaged 13.6 points per game on 53.7% shooting in the regular season and is showing flashes of being an excellent scorer from his position. His size and ability to guard both forward spots would make him a useful complement to Giannis, especially on defense, while also offering scoring off the bench or as a spot starter.
Gabe Vincent adds toughness and playoff experience to Milwaukee’s backcourt. During a strong postseason run with the Miami Heat in 2023, Vincent averaged 12.7 points and 3.5 assists per game while shooting 37.8% from deep in the playoffs. He’s known for his gritty defense and ability to hit timely shots, making him a solid piece next to Lillard, providing more depth and flexibility in Milwaukee's guard rotation.
Jalen Hood-Schifino, the Lakers' 2023 No. 17 overall pick, offers Milwaukee a young, promising guard to develop. Known for his size, court vision, and playmaking ability, Hood-Schifino averaged 13.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game in college but has only averaged 5.2 minutes per game over his career so far. Adding a 2029 first-round pick further sweetens the deal, providing the Bucks with future assets to either develop or use in another trade. Overall, this trade would give Milwaukee more flexibility, depth, and a strong supporting cast around their two superstars.
A Last-Minute Trade Deal That Could Be Realistic
A deal for Khris Middleton could realistically happen if both teams feel they are addressing critical needs ahead of the 2024-25 season. For the Lakers, acquiring Middleton represents a calculated risk, but one that could pay off if he regains his All-Star form. His ability to stretch the floor, defend, and create his own shot fits the Lakers' need for a perimeter threat alongside LeBron and Davis. Given his championship pedigree and strong basketball IQ, Middleton could be the missing piece that pushes the Lakers into serious contention for the title. Additionally, with LeBron entering the final stages of his career, the Lakers are in "win-now" mode, making the decision to part with future assets for immediate help understandable.
From Milwaukee's perspective, this trade might seem like a gamble, but it provides them with a fresh core around Giannis and Lillard. Middleton’s injury history and the emergence of younger players like Malik Beasley and Jae Crowder have made him more expendable. By acquiring players like Hachimura and Vincent, the Bucks would get younger and more athletic, giving them the flexibility to compete now while also building for the future. The added draft assets would provide long-term security, especially considering that Giannis' future with the team has been a topic of speculation in recent seasons.
Ultimately, this last-minute trade would make sense for both teams. The Lakers get the third star they need to compete in the loaded Western Conference, while the Bucks add valuable role players and future assets to keep them competitive and flexible.
