The Los Angeles Lakers are no strangers to going all-in, and heading into the 2025-26 season, another blockbuster opportunity could arise. With Luka Doncic establishing himself as the franchise’s next superstar and LeBron James still at an elite level, the Lakers have a rare window to maximize their championship chances.
The front office has already shown a willingness to build aggressively around their duo, but adding one more piece, particularly a dominant interior presence who can add a Lob City to the offense, could push them over the top. Few players in the league fit that bill better than Zion Williamson, a powerful finisher who might need a change of scenario.
For the New Orleans Pelicans, it might be time for a rebuild. Despite Williamson’s jaw-dropping talent, his tenure in New Orleans has been marred by injuries and inconsistency. With a deep roster of young players and the opportunity to stockpile assets for the future, moving Zion could represent the clean reset the Pelicans have long avoided.
This trade proposal creates a Lob City in Los Angeles, but this time for the Lakers. Let's dive into how this trade could work out.
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Zion Williamson
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, 2031 first-round pick
Los Angeles Lakers Create A Lob City With Three Superstars
The addition of Zion Williamson would instantly transform the Lakers into the most exciting offensive show in basketball. With Luka Doncic controlling the floor as arguably the best playmaker in the game (28.2 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 7.7 APG) and LeBron James still operating as one of the most gifted passers in history (24.4 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 8.2 APG), Williamson would thrive as the ultimate lob threat.
The Lakers haven’t had a true vertical powerhouse since Anthony Davis, and Zion’s ability to dominate above the rim would bring back memories of Showtime while adding a modern twist. His explosive dunks off Luka’s no-look passes and LeBron’s transition feeds would make Los Angeles must-watch television every single night, as if they aren't already.
Beyond the highlights, Williamson’s fit is also seamless in terms of J.J. Redick's strategy. The Lakers often struggled with frontcourt scoring depth last season, and Zion’s ability to bulldoze defenders in the paint gives them a reliable option when perimeter shots aren’t falling. After all, the big man averaged 24.6 PPG, 7.2 RPG, and 5.3 APG last season.
The Lakers’ championship chances would skyrocket with this move, positioning them as a clear-cut title contender. While health has always been a concern for Zion, the presence of Luka and LeBron means he wouldn’t be asked to carry the entire offensive load. Instead, he could focus on maximizing his finishing ability and providing energy on the boards. Not to mention, perhaps the LA spotlight would force Zion to work on improving his durability and weight.
New Orleans Pelicans Finally Start Their Rebuild
For the Pelicans, this trade represents the long-overdue decision to engage in a full rebuild. Zion Williamson’s time in New Orleans has been disappointing due to constant questions about his health and long-term future.
By moving on now, the Pelicans would avoid the risk of losing him for less value down the road and instead commit fully to building around their younger players like Herb Jones, Jordan Poole, Jeremiah Fears, and Derik Queen.
The package from the Lakers, while not centered around a star, offers immediate flexibility. Rui Hachimura (13.1 PPG, 5.0 RPG) and Jarred Vanderbilt (4.1 PPG, 5.1 RPG) are both versatile forwards who can contribute to a competitive roster or serve as trade pieces in future moves.
Gabe Vincent provides veteran leadership at the guard position, giving the Pelicans stability in the backcourt while they groom their young talent. Most importantly, the 2031 first-round pick could become a highly valuable asset, especially as the Lakers eventually transition out of the Luka-LeBron era.
With Zion gone, New Orleans would no longer be weighed down by uncertainty and could fully embrace a fresh identity. Their former No. 1 overall pick needs to move on, and this is the franchise's chance to get rid of him.
A Blockbuster Trade That Makes The Lakers Major Winners
From the Lakers’ perspective, this trade would be another home run for Rob Pelinka. They would acquire a third superstar without sacrificing either of their core stars or an overwhelming amount of future assets.
Williamson’s presence alongside Luka and LeBron would make the Lakers the most star-studded team in the NBA, and their ability to draw in role players to compete around them would make this team very scary. Austin Reaves, a fringe All-Star (20.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 3.8 APG), is a player who could benefit from such a trade.
The beauty of this deal is how much it maximizes the Lakers’ current timeline. LeBron James, even as he approaches 41 years old, is still competing at an elite level, and Luka Doncic is just entering his prime at 26 years old. By adding Zion, Los Angeles would bridge the gap between their current championship aspirations and their long-term future.
Even if LeBron begins to decline, the duo of Luka and Zion could carry the Lakers for years, ensuring the team remains relevant on the biggest stage. Ultimately, this trade would be remembered as a defining moment for the franchise if it were to come to fruition.
The Lakers thrive on star power, and bringing Zion to Los Angeles would continue their tradition of assembling headline-grabbing rosters. While there is always some risk with a player of Williamson’s history, we trust Pelinka, JJ Redick, LeBron, and the Lakers organization to maximize the player's availability on the court because he is only 25 years old.
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