3 Realistic And 3 Unrealistic Trade Shocked

The Los Angeles Lakers could have had a better campaign last season, finishing with a 47-35 record and entering the postseason through the play-in tournament before losing in five games to the Denver Nuggets in the first round. Despite the brilliance of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers could not challenge as title contenders and must find a way to improve their roster in 2024-25. With the start of the new NBA season around the corner, we have decided to provide three realistic and three unrealistic trade targets for the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Los Angeles Lakers have a variety of assets to use to acquire their trade targets, including some of their players including D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura, along with their mix of first-round picks, including the 2029 and 2031 picks. Rob Pelinka has come out to explain the instances they would consider trading the franchise’s draft assets and it might be feasible that they could target one of the below three All-Star-caliber players.

Potential Trade Offer To The Atlanta Hawks: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)

While landing Trae Young would certainly give the Lakers a major boost in playmaking, the trade proposal here presents a realistic approach. Young, who averaged 25.7 points and 10.8 assists per game in 2023-24, is among the league’s premier offensive facilitators. His ability to stretch defenses with his deep shooting and court vision would complement LeBron James’ off-ball prowess and Anthony Davis’ pick-and-roll game. The combination of Young, James, and Davis would form a dangerous “big three” capable of competing for a championship. However, Young’s defensive limitations could pose challenges alongside an aging LeBron, so they’d have to focus on balancing both ends of the floor.

The package of D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, and multiple draft assets is feasible for the Hawks, who might consider moving on from Young if they opt for a roster reset. For the Lakers, the sacrifice of future picks would be steep, but the short-term reward of adding an elite ball-handler and scorer would more than justify it. This deal works logistically, and given Young’s fit with the Lakers’ core, this is one of the more realistic trade options.

Potential Trade Offer To The Chicago Bulls: D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino, a 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2025 Second-Round Pick (LAC)

Zach LaVine is another strong target who could realistically be on the move because there are many possibilities to get him in Purple and Gold. The Chicago Bulls have been stuck in mediocrity, and LaVine has been the subject of trade rumors for some time. LaVine brings a high-octane scoring punch, averaging 19.5 points on 34.9% shooting from three in 2023-24. His ability to create his own shot and space the floor would give LeBron and AD more room to operate, adding a dynamic offensive layer to the Lakers’ lineup. Unlike Young, LaVine’s athleticism allows him to be effective both as a primary scorer and off-the-ball cutter, which fits well within the Lakers’ system.

The Lakers would need to part with multiple assets, but LaVine’s scoring ability and athleticism would fill one of their most glaring needs. His contract is hefty, but it’s a price worth paying for a team looking to maximize LeBron’s championship window. Considering the Bulls may soon look to rebuild, this trade stands as a legitimate

Potential Trade Offer To The Portland Trail Blazers: D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino, a 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2025 Second-Round Pick (LAC)

Jerami Grant provides the Lakers with a versatile forward capable of playing both ends of the floor. In 2023-24, Grant averaged 21.0 points and 3.5 rebounds per game for the Portland Trail Blazers, showcasing his ability to score efficiently while guarding multiple positions. His length and defensive prowess make him a valuable asset, particularly in a potential playoff series where the Lakers will need to stop the likes of Kevin Durant or Nikola Jokic. Offensively, Grant’s three-point shooting (40.2%) helps space the floor for LeBron and AD, and his ability to attack the basket adds another dimension to the Lakers’ offense.

This trade package is realistic as the Trail Blazers could be looking to pivot toward a rebuild around younger players like Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. Grant’s contract may be considered hefty, but the Lakers can absorb it if they believe his fit next to their two stars will push them toward title contention. This deal works for both teams, especially if Portland decides to prioritize long-term development.

The Unrealistic Targets

The Lakers might have their wishlist of star players who could be difference-makers for the team but the likelihood of acquiring them is slim to none. While it’s tempting to imagine the Lakers going all-in for these stars, there might not be enough for the respective teams to pull the trigger on potential trades.

Potential Trade Offer To The Miami Heat: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Dalton Knecht, 2031 First-Round Pick (LAL)

Jimmy Butler has been the heart and soul of the Miami Heat, and while imagining him donning the Lakers’ purple and gold is exciting, the trade package simply doesn’t cut it. Butler isn’t far off from a phenomenal playoff run in 2023 where he averaged 26.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game, dragging Miami to the Finals yet again.  For the Heat, giving up Butler would mean a complete teardown of the relationship between the player and the franchise, something that is unlikely to happen while they’re still built to compete in the Eastern Conference.

The Lakers’ package—centered around D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura—doesn’t come close to Miami’s asking price. Even with future picks, Butler’s impact on both ends of the floor makes him invaluable, and Miami would require a far more substantial haul if they were ever to part with their superstar. This makes Butler an unrealistic target for the Lakers.

Potential Trade Offer To The New Orleans Pelicans: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Max Christie, 2031 First-Round Pick (LAL)

A potential reunion between Brandon Ingram and the Lakers may be intriguing to fans, but the New Orleans Pelicans aren’t in a rush to move on from their All-Star forward. Ingram averaged 20.8 points, 5.7 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game in 2023-24, becoming one of the most versatile offensive weapons in the league. At just 27 years old, Ingram is entering his prime and is a centerpiece of the Pelicans’ long-term plans alongside Zion Williamson. His unique scoring ability from all three levels and playmaking make him a cornerstone for New Orleans.

For the Pelicans to consider parting with Ingram, the offer would have to be more substantial than what the Lakers can currently offer. A package involving D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, and picks isn’t enough to sway New Orleans, who would likely seek a young superstar in return. Given Ingram’s importance to the Pelicans’ future, this trade feels unrealistic.

Potential Trade Offer To The Cleveland Cavaliers: Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, 2030 First-Round Pick Swap, 2025 Second-Round Pick (LAL)

Darius Garland is a star for the Cleveland Cavaliers, and prying him away from Cleveland seems highly unlikely. Garland had an up-and-down 2023-24 season, averaging 18.0 points and 6.5 assists while shooting 37.1% from three in only 57 appearances. His ability to orchestrate an offense and shoot from deep would make him an excellent addition for the Lakers, but Garland is far too crucial to Cleveland’s plans to entertain a trade. The Cavaliers have built their future around Garland and Donovan Mitchell, and they’ve only just begun to see the fruits of their labor with playoff appearances.

The proposed package of Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, and draft assets would be tempting for some teams, but not for Cleveland. Garland’s upside as a dynamic point guard is too valuable for the Cavs, who have no reason to part ways with him as they aim to contend in the Eastern Conference. This makes Garland a dream, but an unrealistic target for the Lakers.