The crucial NBA trade deadline is fast approaching.
After that date, NBA teams will only be able to sign free agents or players who become available via buyout.
The Los Angeles Lakers remain one of the few teams yet to make a move, despite being at the center of numerous rumors recently.
The Lakers have often been linked to 3-and-D players who could provide defensive stability to a struggling roster.
Some of the players previously linked to the Lakers have already ended up elsewhere, such as DeAndre Hunter, who joined Sacramento, and Keon Ellis, who was traded to Cleveland.
However, the Lakers' roster still needs improvement, which is why I have identified five players the Lakers could target in the final days before the trade deadline.
Lakers Trade Ideas Ahead of NBA Trade Deadline
1. Andrew Wiggins
Credit IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect - Scanpix
If the Lakers want to make a strong push for the NBA title, Andrew Wiggins of the Miami Heat would be a primary candidate.
The Canadian wing has the experience and pedigree to provide immediate contributions on both offense and defense.
Wiggins has already won a title with the Golden State Warriors, proving to be a key player in Steve Kerr's system.
To acquire Wiggins, the Lakers would likely need to put Hachimura and Vincent's contracts on the table, hoping that Miami would be satisfied with only a future second-round pick as additional compensation.
Wiggins has a player option worth just over $30 million for next season.
Los Angeles Lakers get
Andrew Wiggins
Miami Heat get
Rui Hachimura
Gabe Vincent
2032 second-round pick
Why it makes sense for the Lakers
The Lakers need a quality addition to become legitimate playoff contenders.
Wiggins would provide solid defense and reliable perimeter shooting, offering LeBron and Doncic much-needed offensive support.
He has the experience and the right profile to improve the team immediately without disrupting the roster balance.
Why it makes sense for the Heat
While valuable, Wiggins serves as a significant trade chip for Miami should a superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo become available.
However, if Giannis lands elsewhere, Miami might prefer to offload salary by accepting the Lakers' proposal.
Hachimura and Vincent are both nearing the end of their contracts, but could still be useful players in the immediate future, and could be renewed at acceptable figures if their performances are satisfactory.
2. Isaac Okoro
Credit AP-Scanpix
With other targets off the board, Isaac Okoro represents a cost-effective option for the Lakers to bolster their perimeter defense.
Since joining the Bulls in the Lonzo Ball trade, Okoro has made a significant defensive impact in Chicago.
Thanks to his physical and athletic abilities, Okoro can guard multiple positions, and his intensity on the perimeter is elite.
The Bulls guard earns $11 million this season and is owed $11.8 million next year, making him an affordable system player.
Los Angeles Lakers get
Isaac Okoro
Chicago Bulls get
Dalton Knecht
Gabe Vincent
2032 second-round pick
Why it makes sense for the Lakers
Okoro can immediately address Los Angeles' defensive lapses as a perimeter specialist.
His low usage rate on offense and manageable salary make him an ideal fit for the current roster.
Among defensive-minded trade targets, Okoro offers one of the best value-to-cost ratios currently on the market.
Why it makes sense for the Bulls
With several expiring contracts, the Bulls appear ready to pivot toward a rebuild.
Trading Okoro for a prospect like Knecht, a draft pick, and a movable contract in Vincent allows Chicago to extract value from a player who isn't central to their long-term plans.
3. Robert Williams III
Credit ZUMAPRESS.com-Scanpix
So far, DeAndre Ayton's contribution to the Lakers has fallen short of expectations.
Therefore, the Lakers could look for another defensive anchor in the paint, and Robert Williams III is an interesting name.
The Trail Blazers center is on an expiring contract, so Portland might settle for a modest package to let him go.
Williams is an excellent rim protector and could become an ideal lob partner for Luka Doncic.
Los Angeles Lakers get
Robert Williams III
Portland Trail Blazers get
Jaxson Hayes
Gabe Vincent
2032 second-round pick
Why it makes sense for the Lakers
Adding a rim protector of Williams' caliber would significantly bolster JJ Redick's defensive schemes.
Furthermore, because he is on an expiring deal, acquiring Williams would likely cost less than trading for other top-tier centers.
Why it makes sense for the Trail Blazers
Portland may find Williams too expensive to retain this summer if he seeks a lucrative multi-year extension.
Acquiring a draft pick and a replacement like Hayes now is preferable to losing him for nothing in free agency.
4. Nic Claxton
Credit Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Staying on the subject of big men, if the Lakers want to try to trade for a center capable of taking their defense to the next level, Nic Claxton is definitely a name to consider.
While he would require more assets than Williams, Claxton is the elite solution for a team currently lacking a high-level presence at center.
Los Angeles Lakers get
Nic Claxton
Brooklyn Nets get
Rui Hachimura
Marcus Smart
Bronny James
2032 first-round pick (lottery protected)
Why it makes sense for the Lakers
Nic Claxton is at the peak of his career, and his mobility allows him to protect the rim at an elite level.
By trading for him, the Lakers would secure a center whose age aligns with Doncic's and who could further propel the franchise into a new era.
Moving Bronny James in the deal would further signal a shift toward building the future around Doncic.
Why it makes sense for the Nets
The Nets are continuing a rebuild that currently lacks a clear path to contention.
Trading Claxton for Hachimura and a first-round pick gives Brooklyn the flexibility and assets to reorder its long-term priorities.
5. Donte DiVincenzo
Credit AP - Scanpix
DiVincenzo is having a strong season in Minnesota as a versatile guard with two-way impact.
His arrival would provide JJ Redick with additional lineup flexibility and an aggressive edge for the postseason.
Of course, prying him away from a Western Conference rival will come with a price.
Los Angeles Lakers get
Donte DiVincenzo
Minnesota Timberwolves get
Jarred Vanderbilt
Dalton Knecht
2032 first-round pick (protected)
Why it makes sense for the Lakers
DiVincenzo is precisely the type of player the Lakers need. He is an excellent defender on the ball and can also be a facilitator and creator on offense.
The Timberwolves guard has a team-friendly contract at $12.5 million next year, making a salary match relatively simple.
Why it makes sense for the Timberwolves
While DiVincenzo is valuable, Minnesota's looming cap constraints may make him expendable.
As he nears the end of his deal in 2027, the Timberwolves might prefer to trade him now rather than face luxury tax issues later.
Securing a first-round pick and rotation players like Knecht and Vanderbilt represents a strong return for a player they might not be able to afford long-term.
Orazio Cauchi
Orazio Cauchi started his career in basketball at 21, having worked for several years at Sportando as the lead writer of the website. He also covered several live events, including the Euroleague Final Four, Italian Cups, Serie A league finals, and EuroBasket. He also contributed to American media, such as LibertyBallers and Def Pen Hoops. Cauchi joined BasketNews in 2021 as a Staff Writer. Holds a degree in Politics & International Relations.
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