As we approach the 2024 NBA trade deadline, basketball fans can almost definitely count out any deal involving LeBron James.
But that doesn’t mean that James doesn’t want more talent on the roster in Los Angeles. James is applying pressure on the organization to make some moves, which is not exactly unusual behavior for the four-time NBA Finals MVP this time of year.
This is perhaps a quieter trade deadline than normal because many of the bigger names (e.g. James Harden, OG Anunoby, and Pascal Siakam) were moved earlier this season.
However, several other players are still potentially available and could make for a good fit in Los Angeles.
We looked at some options actually on the market within a price range that Los Angeles could afford. That means the Lakers could realistically make a move for some of the following players if they want to make the playoffs and potentially even avoid the play-in tournament:
1
Dejounte Murray (Atlanta Hawks)
Could this happen? Atlanta’s Dejounte Murray is widely considered the top player who could realistically move before the trade deadline. One problem, per The Athletic’s Sam Amick and The Stein Line’s Marc Stein, is that Hawks coach Quin Snyder is advocating for Atlanta not to trade Murray.
Do the Lakers want this? The Athletic’s Jovan Buha reported that Atlanta’s Murray is the “top priority” on the trade market for the Lakers and that the two sides were at one point close on a potential deal. Yahoo’s Jake Fischer noted that he has only heard about offers for Murray from two teams (and the Lakers have the “most aggressive known bid” so far).
What would it cost? According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, it’s unclear if there is an offer of more than one first-round pick on the table for Murray. Woj added that it is also unclear if such an offer would be for a good player and a pick or instead for an expiring player and a pick. But, via Fischer, the Hawks want “two first-round picks and a starting-caliber player” if they do trade Murray. Atlanta doesn’t have any trade interest in D’Angelo Russell, per HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.
2
Bruce Brown (Toronto Raptors)
Could this happen? ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski said he thinks there is a “very good chance” that Bruce Brown will be moved before the deadline. Meanwhile, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that D’Angelo Russell has had his name mentioned in trade talks with the Raptors.
Do the Lakers want this? Woj added that the Lakers have had interest in Brown since free agency while The Action Network’s Matt Moore said the Lakers “had interest” in Brown at the deadline last year. Atlanta’s Murray is considered the “top priority” for the franchise but Brown is the other biggest target, per The Athletic’s Jovan Buha.
What would it cost? The Raptors reportedly want something “in the range of a first-round pick” for Brown, per Yahoo’s Jake Fischer and The Stein Line’s Marc Stein. If he has interest from several teams, it remains unclear if the Lakers could outbid other suitors. But the 2029 first-round draft pick is an attractive asset even if Russell is no longer on the table.
3
Dorian Finney-Smith
Could this happen? Brooklyn is reportedly listening to trade offers on Dorian Finney-Smith, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Do the Lakers want this? The Lakers have expressed an interest in Finney-Smith, per Shams Charania. HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported that the Brooklyn forward is a potential replacement for the injured Jarred Vanderbilt.
What would it cost? According to Scotto, the Nets are seeking a “first-round pick and a rotation player” in exchange for Finney-Smith. According to Brian Lewis of the New York Post, however, the Nets “rejected an offer of two-first rounders” for Finney-Smith.
4
Royce O'Neale
Could this happen? Brooklyn is reportedly listening to trade offers on Royce O’Neale, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Do the Lakers want this? The Lakers have expressed an interest in O’Neale, per Shams Charania.
What would it cost? Brian Lewis of the New York Post reported that O’Neale “could fetch a first-round pick” in a trade. But more reasonably, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, it could also just take “multiple second-round picks” to land O’Neale.
5
Tyus Jones
Could this happen? It would be “surprising” if the Wizards didn’t trade Tyus Jones, per ESPN’s Zach Lowe. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst also reported that Washington has a “mandate” to acquire more draft picks at the deadline.
Do the Lakers want this? Shams Charania reported that the Lakers were doing “due diligence” on Jones. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin mentioned an interest in Jones from the Lakers as well. HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto added that the Lakers are joined by several teams as potential suitors for Jones. But, per The Athletic’s Jovan Buha, the Lakers may view Jones as either a lateral move or a downgrade from Russell.
What would it cost? Yahoo’s Jake Fischer said Washington is seeking “at least a first-round pick” to trade Jones. But he added added that the Wizards would “ultimately be willing” for a package involving multiple second-round picks.
