Exploring three different trade routes for the Lakers amidst a bad start to the season.
The Los Angeles Lakers started the 2023-24 NBA season in an inconsistent form after failing to reach a top spot in the Western Conference through the first couple of weeks. With changes looming on the horizon, the franchise looks set to make a blockbuster trade in the near future to land a third star in the roster, with some big players available for a move before the February deadline.
Diving into three possible avenues for the Los Angeles Lakers, there are smart, good, and bad plans that could be done to bring more talent into the team, even though some options are probably better fitted for this team than others.
The Smart Plan: Trading For Donovan Mitchell
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In the quest to bolster the Lakers’ lineup with a third star, the Smart Plan involves a potential trade scenario bringing Donovan Mitchell to Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Donovan Mitchell
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, 2029 first-round pick, 2030 first-round pick
Donovan Mitchell stands out as a high-caliber player, boasting remarkable averages of 30.7 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.9 rebounds. His shooting percentages of 51.0% from the field and 36.4% from beyond the arc underscore his scoring prowess and overall versatility. Mitchell’s skill set makes him an enticing prospect for any team looking to elevate their game.
On the other hand, D’Angelo Russell brings a respectable game to the table, contributing 17.9 points, 6.1 assists, and 3.1 rebounds. While showcasing adept offensive skills, Russell maintains a shooting percentage of 45.4% from the field and 32.0% from three-point range. Despite his solid contributions, Russell’s statistics pale in comparison to the impact that Mitchell could bring to a team.
Austin Reaves displays promise with his well-rounded performance, delivering 13.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.0 assists. However, his shooting percentages of 41.6% from the field and 27.8% from long range may not immediately match the impact a star player like Mitchell could make on a roster.
Mitchell’s stellar numbers in scoring efficiency, coupled with his ability to facilitate and rebound, set him apart as a top-tier player, making the prospect of acquiring him particularly appealing for the Lakers in their pursuit of a third star.
The potential loss of Mitchell by the Cavaliers in 2025 due to free agency rumors could prompt them to consider acquiring new pieces, making this trade scenario beneficial for both teams. Pairing Mitchell with LeBron James and Anthony Davis for the Lakers forms a formidable Big 3, reminiscent of the Miami Heat’s star trio. Mitchell’s similarity to Dwyane Wade in style and Davis’s shot-blocking prowess (leading the NBA with 3.3 blocks per game) create a potent and versatile lineup for the Lakers.
Acquiring Donovan Mitchell through this trade would significantly bolster the Lakers’ roster, elevating their competitiveness with a star-studded trio. While the trade involves giving up talent, the potential impact of Mitchell’s scoring, playmaking, and efficiency could reshape the Lakers’ championship aspirations, creating a dynamic team primed for success.
In essence, the Smart Plan revolves around leveraging the strengths of each player involved in the trade, focusing on Mitchell’s star power, and forming a powerhouse trio that could potentially dominate the league.
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In a less conventional but potentially impactful trade scenario, the Lakers would acquire Karl-Anthony Towns, aiming to fortify their roster with the talented big man.
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Karl-Anthony Towns
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Taurean Prince, 2029 first-round pick, 2030 first-round pick
Karl-Anthony Towns is experiencing a statistical downturn, averaging 17.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. However, his shooting percentages of 42.4% from the field and 30.4% from three-point range fall below his usual standards. Despite this dip in performance, Towns’ potential impact on a team remains substantial due to his established abilities and skill set.
Austin Reaves keeps demonstrating promise with an average of 13.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.0 assists, Reaves contributes across multiple statistical categories. His shooting percentages, while at 41.6% from the field and 27.8% from beyond the arc, reflect his ability to make decent offensive contributions.
A consistent performer, Rui Hachimura maintains averages of 12.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 0.8 assists. What sets him apart is his impressive shooting efficiency, boasting percentages of 54.5% from the field and an impressive 41.7% from three-point range, showcasing his knack for efficient scoring.
Though providing depth with 8.3 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 1.0 assists, Taurean Prince’s impact might be less significant than other players involved in the trade. His contributions, while valuable, might not sway the trade dynamics as much as other key players.
The trade proposition is based on the idea that Towns, despite his current statistical struggles, could benefit from a change in scenery. Previous seasons’ challenges in aligning with Rudy Gobert in Minnesota and the emergence of Anthony Edwards as the face of the Timberwolves suggest a need for a different environment for Towns to thrive.
For the Lakers, this trade would allow Anthony Davis to shift to power forward, a position he prefers. This strategic move aims to create a more favorable dynamic for both Davis and Towns, considering their ability to stretch the floor with their shooting capabilities.
While less conventional, this trade presents an opportunity for the Lakers to form a formidable trio with LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the potentially rejuvenated Karl-Anthony Towns. The acquisition of Towns could add a new dimension to the Lakers, fostering a different dynamic and potentially reigniting Towns’ performance alongside star talents like LeBron and Davis.
The Bad Plan: Acquiring DeMar DeRozan
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In a less favorable trade scenario, the Los Angeles Lakers are exploring the possibility of adding DeMar DeRozan from the Chicago Bulls. Despite DeRozan’s proven scoring ability and seasoned experience, this plan comes with notable drawbacks.
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: DeMar DeRozan
Chicago Bulls Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Taurean Prince, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Cam Reddish, 2025 first-round pick
In contemplating the acquisition of DeMar DeRozan, the Los Angeles Lakers confront both the allure of his seasoned scoring prowess and the potential pitfalls associated with the proposed trade. DeRozan, currently averaging 21.4 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.1 rebounds with a field goal percentage of 43.6%, undoubtedly brings a wealth of experience and a proven ability to put points on the board. However, the specter of his expiring contract raises valid concerns regarding the sustainability of his tenure with the team.
Contrastingly, the Lakers would part ways with D’Angelo Russell, a player who, while posting respectable averages of 17.9 points, 6.1 assists, and 3.1 rebounds, might not possess the same immediate impact as DeRozan. Russell’s offensive skills shine with a shooting percentage of 45.4% from the field and 32.0% from beyond the arc, yet the allure of DeRozan’s seasoned scoring ability looms large.
Additionally, the inclusion of Taurean Prince in the trade provides depth, but his overall impact may be overshadowed by other players involved. Contributing 8.3 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 1.0 assists, Prince’s role in the trade might be viewed as a supplementary element rather than a central piece.
While DeRozan undoubtedly brings a wealth of experience and scoring to the table, the proposed trade has several downsides. Firstly, his expiring contract suggests a short-term commitment, potentially disrupting the team’s long-term planning. Additionally, acquiring DeRozan would age the Lakers’ roster, already featuring veterans like LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Furthermore, DeRozan’s shooting limitations from beyond the arc could impede the Lakers’ ability to stretch the floor, a crucial element in modern NBA play. This lack of a consistent three-point threat might make it challenging for James and Davis to operate effectively, given their proficiency in driving to the basket and scoring from the perimeter.
Despite DeRozan’s undeniable star power, the potential downsides, including his expiring contract, age, and shooting limitations, make this trade scenario less than ideal. It may not align with the Lakers’ long-term goals of building a sustainable and competitive roster. The Lakers must weigh the cost of losing promising young talent against the immediate boost DeRozan could provide, keeping both their current and future competitiveness in mind.
