Nov 27, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (36) reacts after a three point basket during the second quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Imagesimage captionNov 27, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (36) reacts after a three point basket during the second quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Nov 27, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (36) reacts after a three point basket during the second quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
The Lakers are 12-11, but their record doesn’t tell the full story. Defensively, they’ve been struggling to find any consistency, ranking 21st in defensive rating at 118.2. Things hit a low point recently when they got blown out 134-93 by the Heat, allowing a brutal 24 threes in the process. That game was a harsh reminder of how vulnerable this team can be against good offenses.
With LeBron James doing everything he can at age 39 and Anthony Davis battling to stay healthy, the Lakers can’t afford to let their defense slide. To tighten things up and get back on track, targeting a few defensive specialists is becoming less of an option and more of a necessity.
Walker Kessler
Mar 31, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (left) talks with guard Collin Sexton (2) during halftime against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Potential Trade Offer: Max Christie, Jalen Hood-Schiffino, 2029 First-Round Pick, 2031 First-Round Pick
Walker Kessler has been on the Lakers’ radar for a while, and it’s no mystery why. Back in October, there were already reports linking the team to the young big man, and with their defensive struggles, the interest hasn’t cooled off. Kessler is exactly the kind of player the Lakers need right now—someone who can protect the rim, grab rebounds, and take some of the defensive load off Anthony Davis.
This season, Kessler has been putting up 11.1 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game, which is elite production for a player still early in his career. The Jazz, though, are having a rough season. They’re sitting at 5-17, and with no real shot at making the playoffs, they’re looking at all options for the future. The Lakers have apparently floated trade ideas before, but Utah wasn’t interested in taking back D’Angelo Russell. They’d rather have picks, and with two first-rounders still on the table, the Jazz might finally budge.
The cost here is massive. The Lakers are talking about their few remaining first-round picks—2029 and 2031—which makes this deal a huge gamble. But let’s be real, when Anthony Davis isn’t on the floor, the Lakers’ defense falls apart faster than a house of cards. They simply don’t have the depth to cover for him, and Kessler could be the answer. His shot-blocking presence would instantly stabilize their defense, even when Davis is on the bench or out with injuries (which happens more than the team would like to admit).
Adding Kessler doesn’t just help defensively—it makes life easier for LeBron James, too. At 39 years old, LeBron shouldn’t be asked to play heavy minutes on both ends of the court. Kessler would let him focus more on running the offense while keeping the paint locked down on defense. That balance could make a world of difference as the team tries to stay competitive in the West.
The big question is whether the Lakers are willing to go all-in on a player who’s still developing. Kessler isn’t a star yet, but he’s shown he can anchor a defense, and pairing him with Davis could make the Lakers a nightmare in the paint. It’s a risky move, but for a team with LeBron in the twilight of his career, waiting around for perfect opportunities might not be an option.
Kessler is exactly the kind of piece the Lakers need to make a deep playoff run. The only thing standing in the way is the steep price. Are the Lakers ready to sacrifice their future for a shot at stability now? That’s the dilemma they’ll have to figure out.
Marcus Smart
Nov 27, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (36) reacts after a three point basket during the first half against the Detroit Pistons at FedExForum.
Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Potential Trade Offer: D’Angelo Russell, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2026 First-Round Pick, 2030 Second-Round Pick, 2031 Second-Round Pick
The Lakers reportedly looked at Marcus Smart as a potential defensive upgrade, and honestly, it makes a ton of sense. Smart has always been the kind of player who brings grit, leadership, and defensive intensity, which the Lakers could use in buckets right now. This season, he’s averaging 9.8 points, 4.5 assists, and 1.5 steals, while being that guy who locks down the opposing team’s best guard every night.
The Grizzlies, on the other hand, are doing pretty well at 16-8, sitting near the top of the Western Conference. They’ve been solid on defense, but their outside shooting has been hit or miss. That’s where D’Angelo Russell comes in. He’s far from perfect, but he’s a proven scorer who can hit from deep and take some of the offensive pressure off their young stars. Memphis could really use a guy who can create his own shot and space the floor consistently.
Smart’s value to the Lakers goes beyond the box score. He’s the kind of player who sets the tone defensively and gets under opponents’ skin. Adding him to the roster would help fix some of the Lakers’ issues guarding the perimeter, which has been a glaring weakness this season. Plus, with his playoff experience and leadership, he’s exactly the type of player who fits next to LeBron and AD.
The trade wouldn’t come cheap. Giving up D’Lo, Hood-Schifino, and multiple picks is a big ask, especially considering the Lakers don’t have a lot of draft capital to begin with. But the front office knows they can’t afford to waste time while LeBron is still playing at a high level. Getting a player like Smart could be the kind of move that pushes the team back into serious playoff contention.
For Memphis, losing Smart wouldn’t be ideal, but adding Russell could give their offense a much-needed boost. His ability to create offense and score in bunches might be enough to convince the Grizzlies to let go of their defensive leader.
This trade idea is a gamble for both sides. The Lakers would be betting on Smart’s defense outweighing the loss of scoring from Russell, while Memphis would have to decide if the offensive upgrade is worth losing the heart and soul of their defense. It’s a bold move, but for a Lakers team trying to make the most of LeBron’s final years, it might just be the right one.
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Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Dec 1, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Orlando Magic guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (3) reacts during the second half as Brooklyn Nets forward Ziaire Williams (1) trails at Barclays Center
Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Potential Trade Offer: D’Angelo Russell, Max Christie, 2030 Second-Round Pick, 2031 Second-Round Pick
The Magic are entering a rough patch after Franz Wagner suffered a torn right oblique, sidelining him indefinitely. While they haven’t played without him yet, it’s fair to assume his absence will seriously hurt their offensive rhythm. Adding to the challenge, Paolo Banchero has been out since late October with a similar injury, leaving the Magic’s two primary scorers unavailable. With a strong 16-9 record so far, the team will have a hard time keeping up this pace without significant offensive reinforcements.
That’s where D’Angelo Russell comes into play. The Lakers guard is averaging 12.2 points and 4.8 assists this season, and could be a reliable shot-creator and playmaker in a new atmosphere—exactly what the Magic need right now. Russell’s ability to generate offense could help the Magic tread water in the Eastern Conference standings until Wagner or Banchero return, and with his $18.6 million deal expiring in the summer, the Magic could find a solid short-term option for their offense.
On the flip side, the Lakers would bring back a familiar face in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. KCP has been inconsistent this season, averaging 8.3 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists, but shooting a solid 41% from three-point range. What makes him even more valuable are his recent standout performances. Against the Bulls on November 27, he scored 24 points, including 6-of-10 from beyond the arc. He followed that with 19 points on 8-of-9 shooting against the Nets on November 29 and 16 points on December 1 in another strong game against them, so he may be finding his footing again—the perfect timing for the Lakers to snag him.
Beyond his offensive resurgence, Caldwell-Pope’s defensive abilities remain elite. He’s the type of player who can lock down the opposing team’s best scorer while also providing reliable floor spacing on offense. For the Lakers, who have struggled defensively this season, bringing KCP back would provide much-needed stability on the perimeter and allow LeBron James and Anthony Davis to focus on their strengths without overextending defensively.
Meanwhile, the Magic would benefit from Russell’s scoring and facilitating. With now both Wagner and Banchero out, Cole Anthony and Anthony Black have struggled to consistently fill the scoring gap. Adding Russell to the lineup would give the Magic a reliable offensive engine to keep them competitive and maintain their push in the East until their stars return.
This trade works for both sides. The Lakers shore up their defense and shooting with a player they know fits perfectly alongside LeBron and AD, while the Magic get the offensive boost they desperately need to survive their injury crisis. Both teams improve in key areas, making this a move that could pay off big for everyone involved.
Myles Turner
Nov 17, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) shoots the ball in the first quarter against the Miami Heat at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Potential Trade Offer: Rui Hachimura, Max Christie, 2029 First-Round Pick
Myles Turner and Lakers trade rumors are like peanut butter and jelly at this point—you can’t have one without the other. The 6'11" center is in the final year of his deal, earning $20 million this season, and he’s set to hit free agency at the end of 2024-25. With the Pacers sitting at 10-14, their season isn’t exactly trending in the right direction. If they’re smart, they’ll consider moving Turner before he potentially walks for nothing next summer.
This year, Turner’s putting up 15.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game while shooting the three at a very high 39.8% clip. His ability to stretch the floor makes him one of the most versatile big men in the league. Pairing him with Anthony Davis would give the Lakers an insane frontcourt. Imagine a defense anchored by two elite shot-blockers who can also hit jumpers. That’s a nightmare for opposing teams.
The Lakers have been eyeing Turner for years. Every trade deadline, his name pops up in connection with them. And honestly, the fit is just too good to ignore. Turner can protect the rim when AD is on the bench, and his outside shooting would help space the floor for LeBron to operate. Plus, with AD’s injury history, having another big man who can carry the load is a no-brainer.
For the Pacers, moving Turner now makes a lot of sense. They’re not exactly lighting it up in the standings after their surprising ECF run last season, and if Turner isn’t planning to stick around, they might as well cash in while they can. A package of Rui Hachimura, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick would give them young pieces to develop and a future draft asset.
This deal works for both teams. The Lakers would finally get their guy, someone who fits perfectly alongside their stars, while the Pacers wouldn’t have to risk losing Turner for nothing in free agency. After years of rumors, maybe it’s time to actually make this trade happen.
Davion Mitchell
Dec 5, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Davion Mitchell (45) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe (11) during the first half at Scotiabank Arena
Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Potential Trade Offer: Max Christie, 2026 First-Round Pick, 2030 Second-Round Pick
Davion Mitchell’s first season with the Raptors has been a letdown. After being traded from the Kings in the offseason, he hasn’t really found his groove offensively. Right now, he’s putting up 6.8 points, 5.2 assists, and 2.3 rebounds over 23 games while shooting just 38.2 % from the field. Add that to the Raptors’ ugly 7-17 record, and it’s clear things aren’t clicking.
But here’s the deal—Mitchell’s value isn’t in scoring. He’s an absolute pest on defense, the kind of guy who sticks to opposing guards like glue. The Lakers could seriously use someone like him. D’Angelo Russell might be a solid offensive piece, but defense? That’s a whole different story. Throw Mitchell into the mix, and suddenly you’ve got a backcourt that’s a lot more balanced.
For the Raptors, moving Mitchell could be the shake-up they need. Sitting near the bottom of the standings and with Mitchell not living up to expectations offensively, they might want to pivot. A package with Max Christie and two future picks gives them young talent and assets to build for the future.
The Lakers, on the other hand, would get a perfect defensive fit. If Mitchell starts, he can focus on locking down the opposing team’s best guard while Reaves and LeBron handle the playmaking. Off the bench, Mitchell could be a tempo-setter, bringing energy and locking down backup guards without worrying about scoring. He’s a plug-and-play defender who can thrive in either role.
This is exactly the kind of win-now move the Lakers need. With LeBron still playing at a high level but nearing the end of his career, they can’t afford to waste time. Mitchell’s defense and energy could make a real difference, especially in a playoff setting.
For the Raptors, it’s a chance to cash in on Mitchell’s defensive rep and get some assets in return. This trade could be a win-win: the Lakers shore up their defense, and the Raptors get pieces to start thinking about what’s next.