Los Angeles Lakers have been looking to fix their roster for the next season. In the 2022-23 season, the Lakers made a miraculous turnaround. It was only possible after the front office made some successful trades right before the February trade deadline. Later, the new players who joined the Lakers in February helped change the culture within the team. For instance, Rui Hachimura, D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley and so on. But after the season is over, the front office needs to pull off another brilliant trading strategy to maintain a balance in the team’s roster.
Most of the players will become free agents this offseason. Hence, the question is how can the franchise maintain balance for the following seasons. The front office of the Lakers is looking for quality point guards and shooting guards, as well as defensive centers. Let’s look at the trade ideas for the Los Angeles Lakers this season here below:-
1. Chris Paul –
Los Angeles Lakers are going all in for the next season. However, the trade deal to acquire Chris Paul can be risky. The Washington Wizards have already acquired Chris Paul. But he can be re-routed as an agreement with the Phoneix Suns to acquire Bradley Beal. Paul is 38, but if the Lakers want to buy him from the Wizards, they must give up D’Angelo Russell in exchange. However, the Lakers would be happy to, as D’Lo Russell could not live up to expectations in the conference finals. But Chris Paul is still among the best point guards in the league despite his age. Moreover, the Lakers will push for the championship next season, with LeBron James and Anthony Davis reaching the end of their contract. With Chris Paul, the LA side will show a little more desperation.
2. Zach LaVine –
The two-time All-Star is one of the best shooters available at present in the league. Zach LaVine averaged 24.8 points per game and 4.5 rebounds per game this season. Chicago Bulls won’t let LaVine go that easy. The Los Angeles Lakers are looking for another shooting guard, and who’s better than Zach LaVine? But to get him, the Lakers must trade Austin Reaves, Malik Beasley, and the 17th Overall Pick to the Bulls. Unlike Chris Paul, Zach LaVine is young and only 28 years old. He has miles to go in his career. Moreover, if the Lakers buy him, he can grow to be a cornerstone for the LA side under the tutelage of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. But the question is whether the Lakers will trade Austin Reaves to Chicago Bulls.
3. Myles Turner-
Finally, the Lakers must look to strengthen their defense with the big man from Indiana Pacers, Myles Turner. If the Lakers get Turner, then Anthony Davis can go back to his preferred position. That would be better for the franchise. Moreover, Turner has an average of 2.3 blocks per game over the course of his career. On top of that, he has a strong presence in the paint that will help the purple and gold. But if the LA side sign in Myles Turner, they must trade Rui Hachimura, Mo Bamba, and the no. 17th Overall Pick. However, the question is whether the Lakers will trade Hachimura for a sign-and-trade option.