The 2024–25 NBA season concluded with the Los Angeles Lakers facing an early playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite the dynamic duo of LeBron James and Luka Doncic, the team struggled to find cohesion and depth, and it is clear that changes are needed.
As the offseason approaches, the Lakers' front office must pursue experienced veterans who can provide leadership, stability, and the playoff savvy needed for a team with an immediate title window.
We have four veteran players who could be instrumental in the Lakers' goal to return to championship contention next season and up until LeBron James retires. Each of these players are impact players who are most likely forgotten names due to age and attrition but they could be the difference for the Purple and Gold.
1. Khris Middleton
Mar 3, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Washington Wizards forward Khris Middleton (32) brings the ball up court against the Miami Heat during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images
Mar 3, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Washington Wizards forward Khris Middleton (32) brings the ball up court against the Miami Heat during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Khris Middleton (Sign-and-Trade)
Washington Wizards Receive: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, 2025 No. 55 Overall Pick
Khris Middleton, a seasoned veteran and three-time All-Star, spent the 2024–25 season with the Washington Wizards after a midseason trade from Milwaukee. Despite battling injuries, he managed to average 11.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, shooting an efficient 47.5% from the field.
His experience and composure could provide the Lakers with a reliable scoring option and leadership presence, especially in high-pressure playoff situations. Middleton's ability to create his own shot and facilitate offense would complement LeBron James and Luka Doncic, and he could be a perfect third option at times.
His playoff experience, including a championship run with the Bucks in 2021, adds valuable postseason pedigree to the Lakers' roster. Acquiring Middleton via a sign-and-trade involving Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and the 55th overall pick allows them to add a proven scorer without sacrificing core assets headlined by Austin Reaves.
2. Jerami Grant
Nov 8, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (9) works against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) in the third quarter at Target Center.
Nov 8, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (9) works against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) in the third quarter at Target Center.
Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Jerami Grant
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, 2025 No. 55 Overall Pick
Jerami Grant, still providing versatility and defensive prowess, averaged 14.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game during the 2024–25 season with the Portland Trail Blazers. His ability to guard multiple positions and contribute offensively makes him an attractive option for the Lakers seeking to bolster their wing depth.
Grant's athleticism and defensive capabilities would be valuable assets in the Western Conference, where the Lakers face high-powered offenses. His presence could alleviate defensive responsibilities from LeBron and Luka, allowing them to conserve energy for offensive production.
A trade package involving Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, and the 55th overall pick could entice the Trail Blazers, who are in a rebuilding phase. This move would provide the Lakers with a seasoned defender and scorer, enhancing their competitiveness in the postseason.
3. Marcus Smart
Mar 13, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Washington Wizards guard Marcus Smart (36) dribbles defended by Detroit Pistons forward Simone Fontecchio (19) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Mar 13, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Washington Wizards guard Marcus Smart (36) dribbles defended by Detroit Pistons forward Simone Fontecchio (19) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Marcus Smart
Washington Wizards Receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, 2025 No. 55 Overall Pick
Marcus Smart, the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year, brings tenacity and leadership to any team he joins. In the 2024–25 season, he averaged 9.0 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game with the Washington Wizards. His defensive intensity and experience could provide the Lakers with a much-needed perimeter stopper.
Smart's ability to guard multiple positions and his willingness to take on challenging defensive assignments would be invaluable in the playoffs. His presence could set the tone for the team's defensive identity, complementing the offensive talents of LeBron and Luka.
Trading Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, and the 55th overall pick for Smart could be a strategic move for the Lakers because Reaves or Hachimura would not get touched in a deal.
4. Brook Lopez
Nov 4, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) celebrates after hitting a three point basket during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Nov 4, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) celebrates after hitting a three point basket during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Credit: Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Brook Lopez, a veteran center with a championship background, averaged 13.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game during the 2024–25 season with the Milwaukee Bucks. His ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting and protect the rim defensively makes him a valuable asset for any contending team.
Lopez's experience and skill set could provide the Lakers with a reliable presence in the paint, both offensively and defensively. His ability to space the floor would open up driving lanes for LeBron and Luka, while his shot-blocking would bolster the team's interior defense.
If the Lakers can sign Lopez in free agency, it would be a cost-effective way to add a seasoned big man to their roster. His championship experience and versatile skill set could be the missing piece in the Lakers' title quest, although the big man would have to accept a lesser deal to return to the team he was on during the 2017-18 season.
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