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The Lakers need to focus on pushing for the 2024-25 NBA championship because superstar LeBron James is nearly 40 years old. According to the latest report, LeBron James and Anthony Davis could become angry with their situation if Rob Pelinka doesn’t make any significant trades before the February deadline. Luckily, the Lakers have enticing pieces that other teams would love to have in trade talks.
The Lakers have placed LeBron James and Anthony Davis as the only untouchables and that means every other player on the roster is available in trade talks if it means getting the three types of players the Lakers need: a capable playmaker, two-way wing, and starting center. After all, the Purple and Gold need to be in a better spot than the 7th seed in the West with a 15-12 record.
We have three scenarios where the Lakers can acquire each of those types of players and it involves a major shuffling of the roster that could push the team to legitimate title contention as soon as possible.
Potential Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Trae Young
Atlanta Hawks Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, 2029 First-Round Pick, 2030 First-Round Pick Swap
Acquiring Trae Young would be a transformative move for the Lakers. Despite the Hawks’ improving performances this season, Young is still an offensive dynamo who belongs on a title contender, averaging 21.6 points and 12.2 assists per game while shooting 32.0% from three-point range.
His playmaking ability would take the pressure off LeBron James, allowing the King to focus on more efficient scoring and off-ball movement. Pairing Young with Anthony Davis would also create a lethal pick-and-roll combination, one that could dominate in both transition and half-court sets. The Lakers’ 15-12 start underscores the need for a dynamic playmaker, and Young’s star power fits the Hollywood narrative.
From the Hawks’ perspective, this trade signals a pivot toward a rebuild. In return for their franchise guard, they’d receive a combination of solid players and valuable draft capital. D’Angelo Russell’s 12.5 points per game on 33.3% three-point shooting would offer them a steady scorer, while Rui Hachimura and Gabe Vincent bring depth and versatility. More importantly, the 2029 first-round pick and 2030 swap could become significant assets if the Lakers’ stars eventually decline. This trade could help the Hawks secure a brighter long-term outlook while maintaining competitiveness in the short term.
For the Lakers, it’s a bold gamble, but one that addresses their need for an athletic guard capable of orchestrating their offense in crunch time. Adding a player like Young would also help mitigate any potential postseason fatigue for LeBron. While the trade would deplete their depth, the upside of having a trio of LeBron, Davis, and Young justifies the risk. With this move, the Lakers would signal they’re fully committed to contending for a championship while their window remains open.
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Dorian Finney-Smith
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2031 Second-Round Pick
Dorian Finney-Smith is precisely the type of 3-and-D wing the Lakers desperately need. In the 2024-25 season, he is averaging 10.8 points and 4.3 rebounds while shooting a scintillating 45.2% from three-point range. His defensive versatility allows him to guard multiple positions effectively, making him an ideal fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis which is why the Lakers have shown strong interest in the swingman.
Finney-Smith’s ability to stretch the floor would provide much-needed spacing for the Lakers’ offense, which has struggled to consistently knock down shots from deep. Additionally, his playoff experience and reputation as a reliable role player would make him a valuable asset during high-stakes games.
The Brooklyn Nets, on the other hand, would benefit from adding Jarred Vanderbilt’s energy and defensive prowess. Vanderbilt’s ability to disrupt opposing offenses and secure crucial rebounds makes him a valuable piece for a team focused on building a gritty identity.
Jalen Hood-Schifino offers the Nets a promising young guard who could develop into a key contributor. While losing Finney-Smith might hurt in the short term, the Nets gain long-term upside by acquiring younger assets and an additional second-round pick.
For the Lakers, this trade shores up their perimeter defense and improves their shooting—two critical areas of concern. Finney-Smith’s fit within their lineup is seamless, as he doesn’t demand the ball and excels in the dirty work that often goes unnoticed. While Vanderbilt’s hustle will be missed, this trade represents a net upgrade in overall team balance and addresses a glaring need.
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Robert Williams III
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Max Christie, Jaxson Hayes, Cam Reddish, 2030 Second-Round Pick
The acquisition of Robert Williams III would provide the Lakers with the defensive anchor they’ve been searching for. Williams is averaging 8.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game this season. His ability to protect the rim and rebound at an elite level would complement Anthony Davis perfectly, allowing AD to roam defensively and conserve energy for the offensive end.
Williams’ athleticism and high basketball IQ make him an ideal fit in the Lakers’ system, giving them a formidable presence in the paint that could swing playoff games in their favor. For the Trail Blazers, this trade represents an opportunity to add depth and rebuild around their young core.
Max Christie is a promising player, posting 6.2 points per game this season, and could develop into a reliable two-way option. Jaxson Hayes provides the Trail Blazers with a young, athletic big man who fits their timeline. Cam Reddish offers potential upside as a versatile wing, and the inclusion of a second-round pick sweetens the deal. While Williams is a valuable piece, the Blazers might see this trade as a way to balance their roster and plan for the future.
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