The Lakers had a recent resurgence, but still have a losing record this season. As of right now, they’re on the outside looking in on the playoffs.
Considering that they owe their first-round pick to the Pelicans in a swap, however, they do not have the option to bottom out and tank. Instead, with Anthony Davis playing some of the best basketball of his life, Los Angeles will likely pursue deals to improve their roster.
The NBA hot stove is starting to heat up fast. Many insiders believe that a trade is “imminent” for the Lakers, who reportedly believe they are only a couple of players away from turning this team into “legitimate contenders” this season.
It seems far more likely that Los Angeles pursues “smaller deals” involving mid-sized contracts like Patrick Beverley and Kendrick Nunn rather than a bigger trade centered around Russell Westbrook and one or multiple future first-round picks.
That means that there could be multiple trades on the horizon, and based on what we know so far from all of the reporting, these are the most likely trade candidates for Los Angeles:
10
Zach LaVine
The Lakers are reportedly “keeping an eye” on Chicago’s Zach LaVine, who would reportedly be worth enough for the Los Angeles front office to actually surrender their two coveted first-round picks in 2027 and 2029.
LaVine is represented by Klutch Sports and played college basketball nearby in Southern California at UCLA.
Unfortunately, after signing a max contract extension, LaVine has not matched his productivity from last season. Still, it is hard to imagine a scenario in which the Bulls decide that they are ready to move on from the 27-year-old two-time All-Star.
9
Nikola Vucevic
A trade for Chicago’s Nikola Vucevic is considered “a far more realistic outcome” for the Lakers than landing his teammate, LaVine.
The Bulls have reportedly not had talks of offering Vucevic a contract extension, and the Lakers have reportedly had “internal discussions” about trading for the two-time All-Star.
Vucevic, who played college basketball at USC, has been less productive shooting beyond the arc than he has in previous campaigns. He also has his limitations on the defensive side of the floor. This is probably not something worth doing for the Lakers.
8
Jakob Poeltl
San Antonio’s Jakob Poeltl is having a bit of a breakout campaign, and he may be available on the trade market.
Teams including the Lakers, Clippers, and Warriors are expected to pursue the big man. But the Raptors and the Celtics are among the likely suitors as well.
Poeltl isn’t a floor-spacing big man, though, making his fit with Davis clunky at best. The Spurs could likely get a better return from almost any other team in the league that expresses interest.
7
DeMar DeRozan
During the 2021 offseason, it is no secret that there was mutual interest between the Lakers and DeMar DeRozan. In fact, DeRozan said he wasn’t even looking at other teams.
The Lakers are once again “interested” in the former USC standout, but there is interest in DeRozan around the league.
It is hard to imagine that Los Angeles has the best possible bid for DeRozan, who is one of the most clutch players in the NBA. But even if they could do such a deal, a high-usage and ball-dominant player like DeRozan who is not a 3-point shooter may not make the most sense.
6
Myles Turner
Myles Turner is one of the most common names associated in trade rumors with the franchise, and even he has openly discussed a potential trade to the Lakers.
Los Angeles nearly traded for Turner and Buddy Hield during the offseason, but they got cold feet. Now, however, some executives are actually beginning to wonder if the big man is as available as he was in the past.
For what it is worth: Turner recently changed agents and is now represented by CAA Sports, which may be notable news for the Lakers given their messy history with the firm. A deal involving the Warriors, the Clippers, or perhaps even just returning to Indiana feels more within the realm of possibility.
5
Kyle Kuzma
The Lakers have reportedly “inquired” about re-acquiring Kyle Kuzma, per Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes. The Wizards, however, are not considered likely to give up the 27-year-old and would be open to signing him to a long-term contract extension.
Sacramento, Phoenix, and New York may also have an interest in Kuzma. The 6-foot-9 forward is expected to ask for approximately $20 million per season when he becomes a free agent.
Kuzma is exactly the type of player who would fit what the Lakers need most, and even if he wants to play in a bigger market than Washington, don’t count on a reunion between the two parties any time soon. If the Wizards get offered either a first-round pick in 2027 or 2029, however, they should listen.
4
Josh Richardson
The Lakers showed interest in Josh Richardson before the season began. According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the Lakers reportedly offered Russell Westbrook and a lottery-protected first-round pick to the Spurs for Richardson and Doug McDermott.
San Antonio is considered open to trading Richardson, who is expected to draw interest from playoff-caliber organizations.
If the Spurs decide they are willing to receive second-round picks instead of a first-round pick, the two parties could actually reach an agreement. But otherwise, Richardson may get moved to a different contender.
3
Buddy Hield
Even though a deal for Turner has become less likely for the Lakers, it’s hard to completely rule out a trade for Buddy Hield.
Hield, who was a client of Rob Pelinka back when the Lakers executive ran Landmark Sports, is reportedly open to getting traded. Hield was nearly dealt to Los Angeles two offseasons in a row and Indiana will likely want to move the wing soon to allow more playing time for rookie Bennedict Mathurin.
Perhaps the Pacers would be willing to listen to a deal for Patrick Beverley, Kendrick Nunn, and either a protected first-round pick or multiple second-round picks. This gets Indiana off Hield’s multi-year contract in exchange for two expiring deals.
2
Bojan Bogdanovic
Los Angeles was linked to Bojan Bogdanovic even before he was traded to the Jazz. Now that the Pistons are without Cade Cunningham and destined to tank for Victor Wembanyama, such a trade has only increased in likelihood.
There are rumors that the Lakers do not have anyone on staff who scouts other pro personnel, so the organization may have been especially intrigued by his 38-point performance against Los Angeles earlier this week because they actually saw it at FKA Staples Center.
Los Angeles already has a package ready to offer Detroit to land the veteran. They appear willing to include a first-round pick to land Bogdanovic, and the Pistons may bite if the Lakers lift some of the protections. Otherwise, though, the Lakers could get outbid by the Heat, Mavericks, or Hawks.
1
Cam Reddish
It feels like the Knicks and Lakers are destined to make a trade with one another, but the hard part is figuring out which players would be involved.
Los Angeles seems willing to part with Patrick Beverley and Kendrick Nunn while New York would want to move Evan Fournier and Cam Reddish. The latter two work within the cap for a straight-up swap, but the Lakers would presumably have to attach some draft capital. Reddish would add value if his theoretical skill set ever materialized for a sustained stretch.
Reddish has had trouble cracking the rotation, but Los Angeles tried to trade for the former lottery pick last season. The Heat and Bucks are also potential suitors.
