The Los Angeles Lakers have primarily focused on re-signing Max Christie and LeBron James, along with securing their draft picks. With their 15-man roster now full, the only way to improve is through trades. Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report recently suggested five potential moves. Should the Lakers consider them?
Potential Trades Before the Season
**Cap Constraints:**
The Lakers are currently above the NBA’s second apron with an estimated payroll of $188.9 million. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that LeBron James is willing to take a slight pay cut to keep the Lakers below this threshold. However, the team faces restrictions on trading without hitting the $178.1 million first apron.
**Trade Targets:**
1. **Jerami Grant and Robert Williams (Portland Trail Blazers):**
– Grant could boost the Lakers’ scoring, although he might be a slight downgrade defensively compared to Rui Hachimura.
– Williams, if healthy, would strengthen the Lakers’ backup center position.
*Proposed Deal:*
– **To Blazers:** D’Angelo Russell, Christian Wood, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Hachimura.
– **To Lakers:** Grant, Williams.
– The Blazers may ask for draft capital, and the Lakers have limited picks available.
2. **DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic (Chicago Bulls):**
– DeRozan’s playmaking could complement LeBron and Anthony Davis.
– Vucevic would allow Davis to play his preferred power forward position more often.
*Proposed Deal:*
– **To Bulls:** Russell, Hachimura, Hood-Schifino, Wood.
– **To Lakers:** DeRozan, Vucevic.
– The Bulls may want draft picks, and the Lakers’ available options are limited.
3. **Lauri Markkanen (Utah Jazz):**
– Markkanen’s expiring contract and versatile playstyle make him an appealing target.
*Proposed Deal:*
– **To Jazz:** Russell, Hachimura, Lewis, Hood-Schifino, Wood, Reddish, draft picks.
– **To Lakers:** Markkanen.
– The Jazz might prefer better offers from other teams and may not need Russell.
4. **Jordan Clarkson and Lauri Markkanen (Utah Jazz):**
– Clarkson could be a more reliable option than Russell, despite his defensive limitations.
*Proposed Deal:*
– **To Jazz:** Russell, Hachimura, Lewis, draft picks.
– **To Lakers:** Clarkson, Markkanen.
– The Jazz might decline based on their rebuild strategy.
5. **Cameron Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith (Brooklyn Nets):**
– Johnson’s 3-and-D skills are desirable, but his fit as a small forward is questionable.
– Finney-Smith offers versatility but isn’t as strong a shooter as Johnson.
*Potential Challenges:*
– The Nets might want a first-round pick and additional assets, which the Lakers may be unwilling to give.
Final Thoughts
While these trades could potentially enhance the Lakers’ roster, various hurdles like salary cap constraints, draft capital requirements, and the fit of incoming players make these deals complex. The Lakers will need to weigh the benefits and potential drawbacks carefully before making any significant moves.
