The Los Angeles Lakers have been at the forefront of NBA trade rumors, particularly after their bold move to acquire Luka Doncic. As the team looks to bolster its roster for a championship run, several key Lakers trade targets have emerged. This article will delve into the potential trades that could reshape the Lakers’ future and elevate them to title contenders.
Why the Lakers Need to Consider Trade Targets
The Lakers have an incredible roster, but even with stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, there are areas that need improvement. As the season progresses, it’s likely that the Lakers will look to fill gaps through trades. They’ll need to ensure they’re not just competitive but capable of going all the way to the Finals.
Trade acquisitions could address some of the Lakers’ pressing needs, such as:
- Additional Scoring: While LeBron and AD can take over games, the team needs more consistent scoring from other positions.
- Three-Point Shooting: The Lakers have struggled with three-point shooting in recent years. Adding players who can stretch the floor will make the team more versatile.
- Defensive Depth: The Lakers have often been elite defensively, but adding depth to their defense could make a huge difference in the postseason.
Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the top Lakers trade targets for the 2025 season.
Buddy Hield – Sharpshooter Extraordinaire
When it comes to filling the Lakers’ three-point shooting gap, Buddy Hield is one of the first players who comes to mind. The 6’4″ shooting guard has proven to be one of the NBA’s top shooters, boasting career averages of over 40% from beyond the arc. For the Lakers, acquiring Hield would immediately add another dimension to their offense.
Why Hield Makes Sense for the Lakers:
- Elite Shooter: Hield’s shooting ability would complement LeBron and AD, creating more spacing on the floor.
- Experience and Consistency: Known for his scoring consistency, Hield could contribute to scoring both as a starter or off the bench.
- Defensive Potential: While not known for being a top-tier defender, Hield has shown improvement, and his shooting prowess outweighs any defensive shortcomings.
A trade for Buddy Hield could be one of the Lakers’ most strategic moves if they want to improve their shooting and floor spacing in the upcoming season.
DeMar DeRozan – A Veteran Presence
DeMar DeRozan has long been one of the most consistent players in the NBA, and he could provide exactly what the Lakers need: a reliable scorer who can take over games. DeRozan’s mid-range game and ability to finish at the rim would add an element of versatility that the Lakers could greatly benefit from.
Why DeRozan Makes Sense for the Lakers:
- Scoring and Playmaking: DeRozan’s ability to create offense in the half-court would complement LeBron’s playmaking, allowing the team to run more structured offenses.
- Leadership: With his experience and maturity, DeRozan would bring valuable leadership to a Lakers team that’s built around veterans.
- Versatility: His ability to play both the shooting guard and small forward positions would give the Lakers more flexibility.
A trade for DeRozan would provide a veteran leader who could give the Lakers a much-needed offensive boost and versatility.
Jusuf Nurkić – Adding Strength to the Center Position
One area the Lakers have struggled with over the years is consistency at the center position. While Anthony Davis is a phenomenal player, he’s often moved between power forward and center, leaving the team thin at the five-spot. Jusuf Nurkić, the 7-footer from the Portland Trail Blazers, could be a great addition to the Lakers’ lineup. His size, rebounding ability, and low-post presence would help solidify the Lakers’ frontcourt.
Why Nurkić Makes Sense for the Lakers:
- Physical Presence: Nurkić’s size and strength would allow the Lakers to dominate the paint, both offensively and defensively.
- Rebounding and Defense: His ability to secure rebounds and protect the rim would add depth to the Lakers’ defense.
- Complementing AD: With AD moving between power forward and center, having a traditional center like Nurkić would allow the team to maximize Davis’ impact while giving them a strong presence in the middle.
If the Lakers can land Jusuf Nurkić, it would provide them with the kind of inside presence they need to contend for a title.
Kyle Kuzma – Familiar Faces Make Sense
While many fans might think of Kuzma as a former Laker, a reunion might not be such a bad idea. Kuzma has developed into a capable scorer and defender in Washington, and if the Lakers were to bring him back, he could bring a lot to the table. His scoring ability, especially in transition, could help fill the gaps left by other departures or injuries.
Why Kuzma Makes Sense for the Lakers:
- Familiarity with the Team: Kuzma already knows the Lakers’ system and culture, which could make his transition back easier.
- Scoring and Versatility: Kuzma’s ability to score at multiple levels would give the Lakers a versatile option off the bench or even as a starter.
- Youthful Energy: His youth would add another layer of energy and athleticism to the squad, which could complement the veteran leadership of LeBron and AD.
A Kuzma trade could bring a familiar face back to LA while strengthening the team’s depth and scoring options.
Matisse Thybulle – Defense Over Everything
The Lakers’ defense is one of their greatest strengths, but they could always use more perimeter defense. Matisse Thybulle is one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA, and acquiring him could elevate the Lakers’ defense to another level. His ability to guard multiple positions would make him a valuable asset for any team.
Why Thybulle Makes Sense for the Lakers:
- Defensive Prowess: Thybulle is known for his ability to lock down opposing players, making him an ideal addition for the Lakers’ defense-first philosophy.
- Youth and Energy: Thybulle is a younger player who could bring energy and enthusiasm to the Lakers’ rotation.
- Versatility: His ability to guard both wings and small-ball forwards would allow the Lakers to match up well against most teams in the NBA.
Thybulle would fit seamlessly into the Lakers’ defensive schemes, providing more depth and versatility at the guard and forward positions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Lakers trade targets?
Lakers trade targets refer to players that the Los Angeles Lakers are considering acquiring via trade to improve their roster. These players are often sought after to address specific team needs such as scoring, defense, or depth.
Why does the Lakers front office pursue trade targets?
The Lakers pursue trade targets to strengthen their roster, improve team chemistry, and fill gaps in areas where they might be lacking, such as shooting or defense. Trades are an essential tool to stay competitive in the highly competitive NBA landscape.
How do trade targets affect the Lakers’ performance?
Acquiring the right trade targets can improve the Lakers’ performance by adding necessary skills and depth. For example, adding a sharpshooter could improve their three-point game, while a solid defender could enhance their overall defensive capabilities, helping the team compete for championships.
What positions do the Lakers need to target in trades?
The Lakers could look for trade targets that strengthen their shooting guard, small forward, and center positions. These positions are areas where the team could use more scoring ability, defensive depth, or size to complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Who are the top trade targets for the Lakers in 2025?
Some of the top trade targets for the Lakers include Buddy Hield for three-point shooting, DeMar DeRozan for scoring and leadership, Jusuf Nurkić to strengthen their center position, and Matisse Thybulle for defensive depth.
Can the Lakers make a trade without giving up key players?
Yes, the Lakers could potentially make trades without giving up key players. However, the likelihood of this depends on the assets they have available, such as draft picks, expiring contracts, or secondary players. The Lakers’ front office will aim to balance making improvements while maintaining their core group.
What impact could a trade have on the Lakers’ salary cap?
Trades can impact the salary cap, especially if high-paid players are involved. The Lakers will need to carefully navigate their salary cap situation to ensure they don’t exceed the luxury tax or violate cap restrictions, which could limit their ability to sign other free agents.
How often do NBA teams make trades during the season?
NBA teams typically make trades during specific windows, such as the offseason or the trade deadline. Trade discussions can happen year-round, but the most active period for trades is usually around the trade deadline in February when teams evaluate their roster and make moves for a playoff push.
Do trades always result in immediate improvement for the Lakers?
Not always. While trades can improve a team, the success of a trade depends on how well the new player fits into the system and the overall team dynamic. It may take time for a new player to adjust, and not all trades immediately lead to an improvement in team performance.
Conclusion
As the Lakers look ahead to the 2025 season, they must seriously consider their trade targets in order to stay competitive. Whether it’s adding scoring depth with players like Buddy Hield and DeMar DeRozan or solidifying their frontcourt with Jusuf Nurkić, these potential acquisitions could take the Lakers from being just a contender to becoming the dominant force in the league once again.
Now, it’s up to the front office to make these deals happen. Whether they want to push for a deep playoff run or build for the future, the right trade could be the key to unlocking their full potential. If you’re a Lakers fan, it’s time to get excited—big moves could be on the horizon.
