The Los Angeles Lakers are positioned to be a competitive team in the Western Conference. While the team had certainly become better overall, there were some concerns about their ability to contend for the title this season.
To address this, Los Angeles was mentioned in several trade rumors, but none materialized due to reports of the organization's focus on having free cap space for free agency in 2026.
While this would have marked the end of the Lakers' endeavors this offseason, recent reports have indicated a resurgence in trade interest. With Luka Doncic's contract extension, complemented by his recent performances at EuroBasket, the Lakers seem keen to form a championship core right away.
The Purple and Gold are expected to be aggressive in pursuing trades moving forward. While Andrew Wiggins remains the number one priority according to many sources, we explore three potential trade scenarios that the Lakers could consider to build a title-contending roster around their superstar duo.
Acquire Andrew Wiggins From The Heat
As mentioned earlier, Andrew Wiggins has been closely linked to the Lakers in trade rumors this offseason. Given the forward's physical tools, athleticism, skill set, and championship experience, he is widely considered to be the ideal fit for the franchise.
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Jaime Jaquez Jr.
Miami Heat Receive: Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, Maxi Kleber, 2031 first-round pick
This trade scenario caters to the Lakers' immediate need to acquire a bona fide third star next to LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
Acquiring Wiggins would effectively transform the team's potential to compete for a title. Given that the forward could be considered an upgrade on Rui Hachimura, primarily due to his superior perimeter defense and offensive versatility, the Lakers would be adding one of the best two-way players in the league.
Last season saw two distinct performances from the 30-year-old. After joining the Heat, with more responsibilities on offense, Wiggins showcased improved production. He averaged 19.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game. Additionally, he also displayed some degree of efficiency while scoring, as he shot 45.8% from the field and 36.0% from three-point range.
Wiggins' flexibility as an offensive option will be a huge upside, especially when paired with Doncic and James. While he is capable of creating scoring opportunities for himself, he is equally reliable as a catch-and-shoot threat on the perimeter.
Additionally, the Lakers would acquire a solid young talent in Jaime Jaquez Jr. The 24-year-old is coming off a sophomore slump, but considering his offensive skill set and growth potential, he could prove to be a valuable addition to the team's rotation.
Last season, Jaquez Jr. averaged 8.6 points and 4.4 rebounds while shooting 46.1% overall and 31.1% from beyond the arc. Poised to be a multi-level scorer if allowed to cultivate his talents, in the right situation, Jaquez Jr. could be a significant boost to the Lakers' bench production.
Overall, acquiring Wiggins has been viewed as the final piece of the puzzle for the Lakers. Given that he is considered a priority target, the Purple and Gold are expected to make a reinvigorated effort in pursuing him.
Trade For Lauri Markkanen
Trade rumors linking the Lakers to Lauri Markkanen were prevalent earlier in the offseason, although they subsided shortly after. Given Markkanen's skill set, he would be a solid fit on the Lakers. But his recent performances at EuroBasket would suggest that he could even help L.A. emerge as a contender.
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Lauri Markkanen
Utah Jazz Receive: Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber, 2031 first-round pick
Acquiring Markkanen would be no easy feat. With a $46.3 million cap hit this season, the Lakers could be forced to part ways with key roster pieces to land the Finnish star. Considering what he could bring to the table, this could be a worthwhile venture.
Markkanen is an exceptional talent. The 28-year-old has showcased his potential to carry an offense at EuroBasket, leading Finland to the semifinals of the tournament.
At seven feet tall, Markkanen's athleticism, agility, and floor-spacing ability make him an asset to any team. With the Lakers, these traits would shine next to playmakers like Doncic and James.
The forward's performance has been muted with the Utah Jazz as of late. Considering the Jazz's suspected tanking strategy, Markkanen hasn't had the opportunity to play on a title-contending roster, which has stunted his growth to some extent.
Last season, he averaged 19.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 0.7 steals per game, while shooting 42.3% from the field and 34.6% from three. Since he only appeared in 47 games, primarily due to injury concerns, he was unable to find a scoring rhythm.
On the Lakers, Markkanen would have a much more significant role to play. With an avenue to compete alongside some of the best players in the world, his development could help the Lakers make a run at the title.
Pursue A Deal For Trey Murphy III
Considering the trend of players that the Lakers could show an interest in acquiring, it is easy to gauge that trading for a talented wing seems to be a priority. On this note, the Lakers could realistically pursue Trey Murphy III from the New Orleans Pelicans to bolster their roster strength.
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Trey Murphy III
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, 2031 first-round pick
The Lakers have reportedly shown an interest in the Pelicans forward. While not an All-Star, Murphy has shown all the makings of being a star-caliber player.
In a more significant role for New Orleans last season, the 25-year-old showcased a lot of potential as a two-way player, demonstrating solid contributions on both ends of the floor.
With an average of 21.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per game on 45.4% shooting overall and 36.1% shooting from three-point range, Murphy presented himself as a versatile offensive player and a capable wing defender.
When considering his physical tools and athleticism that complement his skill set, the forward could prove to be an upgrade on Hachimura, while simultaneously slotting in next to Doncic and James in the rotation.
The Pelicans forward's health may be a concern after he sustained a shoulder injury last season, which may require some time to rehabilitate. Should he make positive progress in recovery, the Lakers should consider trading for him.
The Lakers Are Expected To Make A Title Charge
The Lakers' front office was on the receiving end of much criticism earlier in the offseason due to their stance on keeping cap space free for next summer. This, along with the trade rumors involving LeBron James, raised questions about their intentions of contending for the title.
But recent developments seem to address these doubts quite clearly. The Purple and Gold seem primed to mount a title charge with Doncic and James leading the way.
Although they are a few moves away from becoming a true contender, should the Lakers succeed in their endeavors, they could be a factor in the West next season.
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