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5 Blockbuster Trades The Lakers Could Do On 2024 Draft Night
By Fran Leiva,
4 days ago
The Los Angeles Lakers are heading into the 2024 offseason with a lot on their plate. After a disappointing first-round exit in the playoffs, falling to the Denver Nuggets in five games, the Lakers are looking to make significant changes. LeBron James , still playing at an elite level, and Anthony Davis , when healthy, form a formidable duo, but the supporting cast hasn't been enough to push them over the edge.
This offseason, the Lakers have several key decisions to make. They have the 17th and 55th picks in the 2024 NBA Draft, which could be valuable assets in potential trades. Key free agents include LeBron James, who holds a $51.4 million player option, D'Angelo Russell, also with a player option, and unrestricted free agents like Taurean Prince and Spencer Dinwiddie. The team's performance was inconsistent, with struggles in 3-point shooting and bench production being significant issues.
The Lakers are known for making bold moves, and with Draft Night approaching, they have a prime opportunity to shake things up. The front office, led by Rob Pelinka, is under pressure to deliver, aiming to build a roster that can compete for a title while LeBron's window is still open. Draft Night could be the perfect moment for the Lakers to pull off some blockbuster trades, using their assets to acquire star talent or fill crucial gaps in their lineup.
The Indiana Pacers had a solid 2023-24 season, finishing with a 47-35 record and securing the 6th seed in the Eastern Conference. They had a strong playoff run but were ultimately swept by the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals. Key players like Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam played pivotal roles, but the team struggled with consistency and injuries throughout the season.
Myles Turner , who averaged 17.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game, has been a key figure for the Pacers. His shot-blocking ability and three-point shooting make him a valuable asset, but with the Pacers looking to retool and build around their young core, Turner could be on the move, as they will pay Pascal Siakam a hefty extension this summer.
For the Pacers, this trade makes sense as they receive Rui Hachimura, a versatile forward who can contribute both offensively and defensively, and Jalen Hood-Schifino, a promising young guard. Adding the 17th pick in the 2024 draft and a future first-round pick swap gives Indiana flexibility to continue building their roster and future assets.
The Lakers, on the other hand, acquire an elite rim protector and floor-spacer in Turner, who fits perfectly alongside Anthony Davis . This pairing allows Davis to play his preferred power forward position, with Turner handling the center duties, bolstering the Lakers' interior defense and rebounding. Turner’s ability to stretch the floor will also create more space for LeBron James and Davis to operate.
This move not only addresses the Lakers' defensive needs but also adds another scoring option, making their lineup more dynamic and balanced. With LeBron’s championship window still open, acquiring Turner could be the key to another deep playoff run for the Lakers. This trade benefits both teams, giving the Pacers valuable assets for the future and the Lakers a crucial piece for immediate contention.
The Toronto Raptors are expected to accept Bruce Brown's $23 million team option for the 2024-25 season. Brown, who was traded to the Raptors mid-season from the Indiana Pacers as part of the deal for Pascal Siakam, had a solid year averaging 10.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. With his defensive prowess and versatility, he remains a valuable trade chip for Toronto as they look to rebuild and add future assets.
For the Raptors, this trade provides a mix of current and future value. Rui Hachimura is a young, talented forward who can score and defend, while Jaxson Hayes offers potential as a young center with athleticism and shot-blocking abilities. Additionally, the two second-round picks add more flexibility for Toronto's future moves. This deal aligns with their strategy of acquiring assets to support their rebuilding process, following the departures of key players like Siakam and OG Anunoby.
From the Lakers' perspective, acquiring Bruce Brown adds a reliable two-way player who can contribute significantly on both ends of the floor. Brown's defensive versatility allows him to guard multiple positions, which will be crucial in a conference filled with dynamic perimeter players. Offensively, his ability to drive and finish at the rim, combined with his improving three-point shot, makes him a valuable addition to the Lakers' rotation.
Fitting alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Brown can provide the hustle and grit that the Lakers have been missing. His playoff experience and championship pedigree from his time with the Denver Nuggets will be invaluable as the Lakers aim to make another deep playoff run. This trade not only bolsters the Lakers' defensive capabilities but also adds depth and flexibility to their lineup, making them a more formidable contender in the 2024-25 season.
Bulls receive: D’Angelo Russell (sign-and-trade), Austin Reaves, Gabe Vincent
The Lakers would start by re-signing D'Angelo Russell to a new contract, likely in the range of $60 million over two years, before including him in a trade package for Zach LaVine . This deal makes sense for both teams, providing the Lakers with an explosive scorer and the Bulls with valuable assets to continue their retooling process.
Zach LaVine's situation in Chicago has been tumultuous. Despite averaging 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, his shooting percentages and defensive performance have been under scrutiny. LaVine has also struggled with a right foot injury, missing significant time throughout the season. These factors have complicated the Bulls' efforts to find a trade partner, despite their willingness to move him as part of a larger roster shakeup.
For the Bulls, trading LaVine provides a chance to rebuild with younger, cost-effective players. By acquiring D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves , and Gabe Vincent, they get a mix of established and emerging talents. Reaves, in particular, has shown significant promise and could develop into a cornerstone for Chicago. Additionally, Russell's expiring contract provides financial flexibility for future moves.
The Bulls have already started retooling their roster, evidenced by trading Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Josh Giddey. This move underscores their commitment to acquiring young talent and future assets.
For the Lakers, adding LaVine injects much-needed scoring prowess. LaVine's ability to create his own shot and stretch the floor would complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis perfectly. He provides a reliable secondary scoring option, capable of taking over games when needed.
Defensively, while LaVine has room for improvement, the Lakers' existing defensive framework, anchored by Davis, can help mitigate these concerns. His offensive upside and the ability to relieve scoring pressure from LeBron and AD make him an attractive addition to the Lakers' lineup.
4. Trae Young Can Be A Game-Changer For The Lakers
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Lakers receive: Trae Young
Hawks receive: D’Angelo Russell (sign-and-trade), Austin Reaves, Gabe Vincent, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
The Atlanta Hawks finished the 2023-24 season with a disappointing 36-46 record, failing to make the playoffs and getting eliminated in the play-in tournament by the Chicago Bulls. The team struggled with consistency and injuries, with Trae Young missing significant time. Despite Young's impressive stats, averaging 26.2 points, 9.8 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game, the Hawks are considering a major roster shakeup.
The Hawks have the first overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, which they are expected to use on a top prospect like Zaccharie Risacher or Alex Sarr . Additionally, there have been persistent trade rumors involving both Young and Dejounte Murray as the team looks to reconfigure its roster to better complement its young talent and address its defensive weaknesses.
For the Hawks, trading Trae Young provides a substantial return of talented players and future assets. D'Angelo Russell, who averaged 18.0 points, 6.3 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game, offers a veteran presence and playmaking ability. Austin Reaves, who had a breakout season with 15.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game, is a young talent with significant upside. Gabe Vincent, a solid role player, adds depth to their roster. The inclusion of the 2029 first-round pick gives Atlanta additional flexibility for future moves. This deal aligns with Atlanta's goal of restructuring their team around a more balanced lineup, addressing both offensive and defensive needs.
For the Lakers, acquiring Trae Young would be a game-changer. Young’s elite playmaking and scoring ability perfectly complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis. His presence on the court would relieve LeBron of primary ball-handling duties, allowing him to focus more on scoring and facilitating from different positions. Young's deep shooting range and ability to create his own shot would open up the floor, making the Lakers' offense even more dynamic.
Defensively, while Young has limitations, the Lakers' robust defensive setup, anchored by Davis, can help cover for his weaknesses. Adding Young not only enhances the Lakers' offensive firepower but also provides them with a long-term piece to build around as they transition from the LeBron era.
This trade benefits both teams: the Hawks get a mix of current and future assets to build around, while the Lakers gain a star player who can elevate their championship aspirations. Fans of both franchises should be excited about the possibilities this trade presents for the 2024-25 season and beyond.
The Lakers are eyeing a big splash this offseason, and landing Dejounte Murray could be just what they need. After a tough season, the Lakers are looking to bolster their roster around LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Adding a versatile guard like Murray could be the key to making another championship run.
Offensively, Murray is a dynamic playmaker. He averaged 22.5 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.3 rebounds in 78 games this season. He can run the offense, allowing LeBron to play more off the ball and conserve energy for critical moments. Murray’s ability to drive to the basket and create shots for himself and others would add a new dimension to the Lakers’ attack.
Murray’s presence on the Lakers would be immediately felt. He’s got the skills to take over games and the versatility to adapt to different roles as needed. With his ability to score, assist, and defend, he complements the strengths of LeBron and AD while covering some of their weaknesses. This makes the Lakers a more balanced and formidable team.
Looking beyond just the upcoming season, Murray is still young and has room to grow. Integrating him into the Lakers’ system now could pay dividends for years to come, especially as the team eventually transitions from the LeBron era. Having a player like Murray in the fold sets the Lakers up for continued success.
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