4 NBA Stars Who Should Take A Pay Cut And Join The Lakers This Summer

The Los Angeles Lakers are going all in for the 2024-25 NBA season after drafting Dalton Knecht and Bronny James and could look at four stars who could take a pay cut to join LeBron James and Anthony Davis this summer. These players could help the Lakers reach their goal of winning an NBA championship sooner rather than later.

1. Klay Thompson

2023-24 Season Statistics: 17.9 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.3 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG

How Lakers Can Acquire Klay Thompson: Via Trade

Trade Details

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Klay Thompson (sign-and-trade), three-year, up to $20 million per year

Golden State Warriors Receive: Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt

Acquiring Klay Thompson via a sign-and-trade would be a game-changer for the Los Angeles Lakers, providing them with a premier sharpshooter and veteran playoff performer. In exchange for Gabe Vincent and Jarred Vanderbilt, the Lakers would gain a player whose elite three-point shooting would create invaluable floor spacing for LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Thompson's career 41.3% three-point shooting is among the best in NBA history, and his off-ball movement would draw defensive attention away from James and Davis, opening up driving lanes and reducing defensive pressure on their superstar duo. Defensively, Thompson's ability to guard multiple positions would be a perfect fit in the Lakers' switch-heavy scheme.

Thompson has shown intrigue with playing alongside LeBron James per the latest report. Klay was also born in Los Angeles and not having to move states despite joining a new NBA franchise could see the future Hall of Famer take a pay cut for those reasons.

2. DeMar DeRozan

2023-24 Season Statistics: 24.0 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.6 BPG

How Lakers Can Acquire DeMar DeRozan: Free Agency (Mid-Level Contract)

Signing DeMar DeRozan as a free agent, assuming he is willing to take a pay cut, would be a strategic addition for the Los Angeles Lakers. DeRozan's mid-range scoring prowess and playmaking abilities would significantly enhance the Lakers' offensive options. Averaging 24.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game in the 2023-24 season, DeRozan has shown he can be a reliable scorer and facilitator.

DeRozan seems to be open to playing in Los Angeles and growing up as a Lakers supporter means he has ties to the all-time great franchise. Born in Compton means the All-Star returns back to his native state which means taking a pay cut isn't the worst thing in the world for a player close to 35.

His mid-range excellence would provide the Lakers with a versatile offensive weapon, perfectly complementing the strengths of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. DeRozan’s ability to create his own shot and score efficiently from mid-range adds a new dimension to the Lakers' offense, which has occasionally struggled in this area.

Furthermore, his playmaking skills would relieve some of the ball-handling duties from James, allowing LeBron to operate more off the ball and conserve energy throughout the season. DeRozan’s experience and basketball IQ would also be invaluable in high-pressure playoff situations, making him a critical piece in the Lakers' quest for another championship.

3. Nicolas Claxton

2023-24 Season Statistics: 11.8 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.6 SPG, 2.1 BPG

How Lakers Can Acquire Nicolas Claxton: Via Trade

Trade Details

Lakers Receive: Nic Claxton (sign-and-trade), four-year deal, up to $24 million per season

Nets Receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, Jalen Hood-Schifino

Signing Nic Claxton would significantly enhance the Lakers' defensive capabilities and rebounding. Claxton, known for his shot-blocking and athleticism, averaged 11.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game in the 2023-24 season.

His ability to protect the rim and switch onto smaller players in pick-and-roll situations would provide the Lakers with a versatile defensive anchor. Claxton's presence in the paint would complement Anthony Davis, allowing Davis to roam more freely on defense and take advantage of his own shot-blocking and rebounding skills.

Offensively, Claxton's high energy and ability to finish around the rim would be a perfect fit for the Lakers' transition game. His knack for catching lobs and finishing strong would make him a valuable target for playmakers like LeBron James and Chris Paul. Claxton's improvement in free throw shooting also suggests he could stay on the floor in crunch time without being a liability.

4. Brook Lopez

2023-24 Season Statistics: 12.5 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.5 SPG, 2.4 BPG

How Lakers Can Acquire Brook Lopez: Via Trade

Trade Details

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Brook Lopez

Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, Jalen Hood-Schifino

Brook Lopez would add a unique combination of three-point shooting and rim protection to the Lakers. Averaging 12.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game in the 2023-24 season, Lopez has shown he can stretch the floor with his shooting while also being a defensive anchor. His ability to hit three-pointers at a high clip would provide essential spacing for LeBron James and Anthony Davis, allowing them to operate more freely in the paint.

Lopez’s veteran presence and playoff experience would be crucial in the Lakers’ championship aspirations. The big man will be a free agent after the 2024-25 NBA season and he could ask to be traded for a chance to play in Los Angeles and sign a team-friendly, long-term deal before his retirement in the next few seasons.

Lopez’s versatility on both ends of the floor would make him an invaluable asset, allowing the Lakers to play various styles depending on the matchup. Overall, his addition would enhance the Lakers’ depth, making them a more formidable and well-rounded team.

Related: Los Angeles Lakers Starting Lineup And Bench After Selecting Dalton Knecht And Bronny James

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