The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to rebuild their team this summer around LeBron James and Anthony Davis and could be trading D’Angelo Russell to get there. The Lakers have not done enough in the offseason to compete with the best teams in the league, despite drafting Dalton Knecht and Bronny James. LeBron James will be 40 years old in a couple of months and to maximize The King’s presence, they need to move Russell to massively improve their starting lineup for the 2024-25 NBA season.
Acquiring Trae Young would create a formidable offensive trio alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Trae Young is one of the league’s most dynamic point guards, known for his exceptional scoring and playmaking abilities. Last season, Young averaged 25.7 points and 10.8 assists per game, making him one of the top offensive threats in the NBA. His ability to shoot from deep (37.3% from three-point range) and create shots for his teammates would be a significant boost to the Lakers’ offense.
Young’s playmaking skills would elevate the Lakers’ offensive efficiency. His court vision and ability to execute precision passes would create numerous scoring opportunities for LeBron and Davis. Young’s presence on the floor would also alleviate some of the playmaking burden on LeBron, allowing him to focus more on scoring and other aspects of the game.
Additionally, Young’s ability to stretch the floor with his deep shooting would open up driving lanes for LeBron and post-up opportunities for Davis. Since the Atlanta Hawks could be looking to blow up their roster following their trade of Dejounte Murray and drafting Alexandre Sarr with No. 1 overall, the Lakers need to go all-in for the superstar point guard.
Acquiring Zach LaVine would form a new dynamic trio alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, potentially transforming the Lakers into a more potent offensive force. LaVine is a prolific scorer with the ability to create his own shot, shoot efficiently from deep, and attack the basket with explosive athleticism. Last season, he averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game while shooting 34.9% from beyond the arc which was below his normal standards but no doubt LaVine can get back to his best.
LaVine’s three-point shooting would also be a critical asset for a Lakers team that has struggled with perimeter shooting. His presence on the court would force defenses to spread out, creating more space for LeBron and Davis to operate inside. Additionally, LaVine’s ability to run the floor in transition would mesh well with the Lakers’ fast-break offense, providing another option for quick scoring opportunities.
Integrating LaVine into a lineup with LeBron and Davis would require some adjustments but holds great potential. LeBron’s playmaking ability and Davis’s versatility would allow LaVine to thrive as a primary scoring option. The trio’s combined talents would make the Lakers a formidable offensive unit capable of outscoring many opponents. LaVine’s ability to play both on and off the ball would enable seamless offensive rotations, ensuring that the team maintains fluidity and effectiveness.
A reunion with Kyle Kuzma would bring back a versatile forward to the Lakers who has already demonstrated his compatibility with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. During his previous tenure with the Lakers, Kuzma showcased his scoring and rebounding prowess, averaging 15.2 points and 5.6 rebounds per game over four seasons but has averaged 20.2 points and 7.4 rebounds per game since.
Kuzma’s offensive versatility would be a valuable asset alongside LeBron and Davis. Since leaving the Lakers after the 2020-21 season, he has become an improved player and fringe All-Star, capable of stretching the floor with his 33.6% three-point shooting and creating his own shot off the dribble. On the defensive end, Kuzma has evolved into a dependable player who can guard multiple positions, alleviating some defensive pressure off LeBron and Davis. His rebounding abilities, highlighted by his 6.6 rebounds per game last season, would also aid the Lakers in controlling the boards.
Kuzma’s return would likely ignite the Lakers’ fan base, providing an emotional boost given his past connection to the team and the City of Los Angeles. At 29 years old, Kuzma is in the prime of his career, making him a perfect fit for the Lakers’ current roster.
Jerami Grant would bring a potent mix of scoring, defense, and versatility to the Lakers. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 21.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, demonstrating his ability to contribute on both ends of the court. His length and athleticism make him an asset on defense, capable of guarding multiple positions and bolstering the Lakers’ defensive schemes alongside Davis.
Grant’s offensive skills, including his 40.2% three-point shooting last season, make him a great fit next to LeBron and Davis. He can stretch the floor, drive to the basket, and create his own shot, providing a versatile offensive threat. His ability to play both forward positions would give the Lakers flexibility in their lineups, allowing them to adapt to different matchups effectively.
Grant’s presence on the court would not only enhance the Lakers’ defensive and offensive capabilities but also add depth to their roster. His experience and skills would make the Lakers a more formidable team, ready to take on various title contenders in the upcoming season.
Bringing in Collin Sexton and Walker Kessler would address multiple needs for the Lakers. Sexton, a dynamic scorer, put up 18.7 points and 4.9 assists per game last season. His ability to break down defenses and create scoring opportunities would add a new dimension to the Lakers’ offense. Meanwhile, Kessler, a promising young center at 22, averaged 8.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game, offering a strong defensive presence and rebounding prowess.
Sexton’s aggressive playstyle and scoring mentality would complement LeBron’s playmaking and Davis’s inside game. His knack for driving to the basket and drawing fouls (4.7 free throw attempts per game) would create additional scoring opportunities for the Lakers. Kessler’s shot-blocking and rebounding abilities would solidify the Lakers’ interior defense, allowing Davis to play more on the perimeter where his defensive versatility can shine.
This trade scenario also injects youth and potential into the Lakers’ roster. Sexton and Kessler, both under 26, align with the Lakers’ goal to build for the future while remaining competitive in the present. Additionally, Sexton’s 39.4% shooting from deep would help improve the Lakers’ three-point shooting, addressing a critical weakness.
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