The Los Angeles Lakers have been one of the most active teams heading into the offseason. With an aggressive outlook on bolstering their roster, the Lakers have been one of the primary names mentioned in trade rumors as well.
While the offseason has already kicked off, with some major trades driving conversations forward, the Purple and Gold have remained fairly reserved on the matter. This, however, may only be a momentary event.
The 2025 NBA Draft is viewed as one of the biggest events of the offseason, not only to welcome new talent into the league but also for trade activity. With several picks and assets switching hands, the Lakers are expected to make some big moves on the night of the event.
A change in ownership has given the Purple and Gold the necessary financial backing to be aggressive in their approach. With this in mind, we take a look at three potential trades the team could make in the next 24 hours.
The Lakers Could Acquire Walker Kessler
Mar 7, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) goes in for a layup over Toronto Raptors guard AJ Lawson (0) in the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Mar 7, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) goes in for a layup over Toronto Raptors guard AJ Lawson (0) in the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
In one of the most highly anticipated moves in the Lakers' fan base, the Purple and Gold could complete the trade to acquire Walker Kessler.
The Lakers have been heavily linked to the Utah Jazz big man ever since he was made available in trade talks. Fitting the template for the team's ideal big man, the Lakers are likely to make a run at acquiring him.
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Walker Kessler
Utah Jazz Receive: Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, 2031 first-round pick
Kessler is one of the best big men prospects that the Lakers could go after. At seven feet tall, the Jazz big man is an intimidating presence under the rim. His averages of 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game are immensely promising for a team in dire need of rim protection.
Along with his capable rebounding and shot-blocking ability, Kessler is also young and moderately athletic. His ability to roll to the rim while coming off screens would theoretically pair well with Lakers' superstar Luka Doncic.
This trade also has some benefits for the Jazz. Dalton Knecht is a young but promising talent, showing the potential to develop into a lethal perimeter shooter. Meanwhile, Rui Hachimura is an increasingly reliable veteran presence. His averages of 13.1 points and 5.0 rebounds would be valuable to the Jazz's bench rotation. When also considering the addition of a first-round pick to the deal, Utah may very well find reason to fulfill this trade on draft night.
Kessler's addition would almost instantly bolster the Lakers' frontcourt. While also considering that the team could also acquire John Collins in this deal for Kessler, the Purple and Gold could go all in on this trade.
The Lakers Finally Trade For Nic Claxton
Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) at Barclays Center.
Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) at Barclays Center.
Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Another player who has been on the Lakers' radar since the start of the offseason has been Brooklyn Nets big man Nic Claxton. Widely regarded as one of the most realistic big men targets for the Purple and Gold, the Lakers could potentially look to complete the trade for the Nets center on draft night as well.
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Nic Claxton
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, 2031 first-round pick
The template for the Lakers' trade package has seen them include a majority of their expiring contracts while leveraging their remaining assets. While this would be an overpay in most cases, Claxton is worth it. As an athletic big man with defensive upside, the Nets center is another player who could be considered an ideal fit for the Purple and Gold.
Claxton's averages of 10.3 points and 7.4 rebounds make him an extremely reliable starting center. When considering his presence as a lob threat, Doncic and Claxton could be a nightmare for opposing centers to deal with. In addition to this, he also averages 1.4 blocks while shooting 56.3% from the field.
In giving up their big man, the Nets acquire a solid rotation player in Hachimura and a hardworking two-way guard in Gabe Vincent. Although Vincent's offensive contribution tends to be inconsistent, the veteran guard is a tough defender and a fairly reliable three-point shooter. When factoring in the 2031 first-rounder as compensation, the Nets may be relatively satisfied with this deal.
Robert Williams Fills The Lakers' Frontcourt Depth
Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (35) grabs a rebound during the second half against LA Clippers guard Terance Mann (14) at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (35) grabs a rebound during the second half against LA Clippers guard Terance Mann (14) at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
An interesting addition to the Lakers' list of big men targets will be Portland Trail Blazers big man Robert Williams. Although he hasn't been viewed in the same light as Claxton or Kessler, recent murmurs have pushed the big man into the spotlight.
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Robert Williams
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Shake Milton, 2031 first-round pick
Williams could be a great addition for the Purple and Gold. At only 27 years old, he is an athletic center with a real sense for shot-blocking. While he has a lot of upside as a lob threat and rim protector, there are some concerns involving the big man.
Williams has been quite injury-prone throughout his career. Last season, he only played in 20 games, resulting in a low average of 5.8 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. When also considering that he is an expiring contract this season, acquiring the Blazers center could be a good move, only to bolster their backup center rotation.
In this scenario, should Williams remain healthy next season, his productivity could be a benefit for the team. In the case of injury, his absence doesn't necessarily debilitate the team either.
Meanwhile, due to his lower asking price, the Lakers will only be required to give up a few players. Jarred Vanderbilt and Shake Milton complete the trade, providing the Blazers with rotation players, with Vanderbilt also being a great defensive presence. Regardless, Portland is more likely to see value in the 2031 first-rounder in this case, which the Purple and Gold could easily retract from the deal owing to Williams' injury history.
The Lakers' Roster Construction Efforts Continue
It goes without saying that while the Lakers could make big moves on draft night, they would only be a part of their roster construction effort. The Purple and Gold are looking to bring back some key rotation players in free agency while also looking to implement their taxpayer MLE to sign reinforcements.
The intention behind the Purple and Gold's efforts seems genuine. Having made several inquiries about players, the team seems primed to make a deep run in the playoffs. With new energies driving the organization forward, ownership will also be looking to make an impact soon.
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