LA Lakers Trade Scenarios: Realistic packages for must-have targets to put team on par with Thunder and Mavericks

Charles Barkley and many other non-LA Lakers fans consider the team "mid." But in reality, the noise around arguably the most popular franchise is louder than needed with every loss and win. It's the team's record that matters at the end of the day.

So whether Barkley thinks LA deserves recognition with national TV games or not, it is truly up for debate, especially with the team 20-16, sixth in the West, outperforming multiple teams like the Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns, who were widely touted to be among the top West contenders.

A simple coaching change with JJ Redick's hiring has allowed the Lakers to be better than they were at this juncture last year under Darvin Ham, when they were 17-19, with a relatively healthy roster.

This, of course, doesn't discount all of the criticism surrounding the LA Lakers. The roster still doesn't stack well against the likes of the OKC Thunder, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies, arguably the four best teams in the conference.

Nevertheless, LA is stepping in the right direction after acquiring Dorian Finney-Smith from the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for D'Angelo Russell. The Lakers addressed the void of lacking a big wing defender who can knock down 3s at a high clip despite an extremely low usage rate on offense.

Amid the LA Lakers' losses to teams that boast size and/or athleticism like the OKC Thunder, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, Cleveland Cavaliers, or even the Detroit Pistons, there are two issues the Lakers must address - adding a reliable center and an athletic starting shooting guard.

As good as Max Christie has been, LA needs an alternative for the 22-year-old, who is breaking out this year. Christie has had many bright moments, but he's still in his learning curve and might not be the ultimate answer when the stakes are higher in a clutch playoff setting.

Meanwhile, Jaxson Hayes as Anthony Davis' backup is yet to showcase why the LA Lakers don't need another center in their rotation. With a -4.7 net rating in 15.8 minutes of playing time per game in 15 appearances, the sample size is large enough for the Lakers to replace Hayes with a move before the trade deadline.

Some may consider Christian Wood as the alternative, but with nearly a year-long injury hiatus, there's no guarantee Wood would return and have an impact straight away. His defense also isn't one of his strongest suits.

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LA Lakers trade scenarios: Realistic packages that gets the team in top-tier contender conversation

The LA Lakers are in the mix to avoid the play-in tournament for the first time since their 2019-20 championship season. However, to elevate their chances and ensure that happens, the Lakers still need at least two moves to certify their status as contenders.

Several players are already linked with the Purple and Gold, and two players stand out among them, who raise the team's ceiling by a significant margin.

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#1 Bruce Brown Jr. from Toronto Raptors

Bruce Brown warms up before a game (Source: Imagn)

The LA Lakers have been linked to Bruce Brown Jr. for the third straight cycle after the 2023 offseason and 2024 trade deadline. Brown was a key candidate in Denver's 2023 championship run. The 28-year-old, who is in his eighth season, is the perfect complimentary guard next to Austin Reaves, who has significant limitations as a defender but raises the floor offensively.

With LA seemingly leaning into a defensive identity, Brown automatically becomes an excellent fit. He can be the go-to perimeter defender who can also handle the ball. Brown also provides the intangibles required on a team with multiple ball-dominant players who are more offensive-minded.

Simply put, he can be the Derrick White or Jrue Holiday of this team, who can entirely invest himself in defense and doing the "dirty" work, which every top contender needs. The Lakers can acquire him logistically, but it's a bold move.

They must include Rui Hachimura and his $17 million contract as the centerpiece of the trade, as Bruce Brown is making $23 million. LA can't take back more salary in return as it is an apron team and only $3 million under the second apron.

The LA Lakers must add Christian Wood's $3 million and Jalen Hood-Schifino's $3.8 million expiring deals to match salaries. Toronto must waive one player after this, and it could be in the form of buying out Wood. LA could also throw in their only second-round pick to sweeten this deal.

Trade formulated via Spotrac's trade machine

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#2 Walker Kessler from Utah Jazz

LA Lakers target Walker Kessler in action for Utah Jazz (Image Source: Imagn)

If the LA Lakers are willing to spend a first-round pick or two at this trade deadline, it shouldn't be for anyone but Walker Kessler. The 7-foot big man, now in his third season, is the man to get for LA. Kessler's stock is only improving this season after averaging 10.7 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks, shooting 71.5%.

His vertical spacing ability, high shot-blocking rate and rebounding make him an ideal center fit next to Anthony Davis or as a reliable backup who can keep the team afloat when Davis rests. The Lakers are far from getting that from Jaxson Hayes and potentially Christian Wood, forcing JJ Redick to play more small-ball lineups with Rui Hachimura or LeBron James guarding the rim.

It has been a recipe for disaster defensively, as neither forwards have the physical tools to match up with opposing bigs. The Lakers already owe a top-four protected 2027 first to the Jazz. Removing that protection and adding another first-round pick (2029, 2030, or 2031) could see the deal go through.

With Kessler making just $2.9 million, it's easier to match salaries. The LA Lakers can include Cam Reddish and Jaxson Hayes in that move, who earn a combined $4.8 million. The Lakers would be $2.8 million under the second apron after making the separate deals for Brown and Kessler.

Trade formulated via Spotrac's trade machine

Utah must cut at least one of Reddish or Hayes to make the deal work as it would have more than 15 players under contract. Both are on an expiring deal, and the Jazz might be more interested in the draft compensation than the players they get in return.