The Los Angeles Lakers have completed a major roster rebuild this offseason and are entering the new season with a much younger team.
The Lakers' future is now completely centered around their superstar Luka Doncic. However, as the offseason reaches its final stages, the Lakers still appear to lack the pieces needed to be considered true title contenders next season.
One of the main Lakers' problems over the past couple of seasons has been a lack of a secondary point guard.
Although Luka Doncic runs the offense for the most part, the grueling regular season requires a reliable secondary option at the point.
Austin Reaves can sometimes take on that role, and the Lakers have signed Collin Sexton as another option to run the point, but they still seem to lack a true point guard presence.
While there are few attainable point guards on the market, the Lakers might not need to look far, as their crosstown rival has a player worth targeting.
Potential trade framework
Los Angeles Lakers acquire:
Kris Dunn
Los Angeles Clippers acquire:
Dalton Knecht
Future second-round pick
Lakers would receive an elite defender at point guard
The Los Angeles Clippers most likely won't be in a position to contend next season.
They could be in seller's mode and might try to recoup lost draft assets after being punished for the Kawhi Leonard cap circumvention case by the NBA.
While they wouldn't receive significant draft compensation for Kris Dunn, a second-round pick and a young player in Dalton Knecht would be a decent package that could help them slowly start their rebuild.
The Lakers would receive a big boost in their backcourt with Kris Dunn, who is coming off an impressive year with the Clippers.
Last season, he played his most minutes per game in the last seven seasons with over 27 minutes per game and showed improvement on offense with improved shooting and playmaking, while remaining a huge factor defensively.
In total, he averaged 7.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists while appearing in all 82 regular-season games with the Clippers.
The 32-year-old Dunn is entering the season on an expiring $5.6 million contract.
Lakers' current backcourt rotation
Currently at point guard, they have Luka Doncic running the show with Collin Sexton coming off the bench.
However, Sexton has been more effective at shooting guard throughout his career due to his playmaking limitations and defensive size. This is where Dunn could step in, improving the team's perimeter defense off the bench while also adding playmaking, especially in transition.
Bronny James is also still with the Lakers, but unless he makes a strong impression early in the season, the Lakers may look elsewhere for rotation minutes, opening the door for a veteran like Dunn.
While Dunn has clear limitations offensively due to inconsistent shooting, his veteran experience and elite defense make him an appealing target for the Lakers.