Top 5 2024 offseason targets that significantly upgrade LA Lakers

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#3 - Gary Trent Jr.

Gary Trent Jr. is another player the LA Lakers could be interested in to shore up areas they badly need improvement. He is at least a solid defender who is a career 39.3% shooter from behind the arc. One more thing that Trent brings is durability, having played no less than 66 games over the last three years.

The combination of shooting, defense and availability will immediately address some of the Lakers’ needs.

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#2 - Dejounte Murray

The plan to get Dejounte Murray will likely depend on D’Angelo Russell opting out of his $18.6 million player option next season. If the former All-Star is gone, the LA Lakers could after the Atlanta Hawks’ two-way star. Pelinka has been rumored to be interested in Murray since this year’s trade deadline.

Getting the former San Antonio Spurs guard, however, will not come cheap. Atlanta will likely ask for at least three first-round picks, which the Lakers have, and grease the wheels of the trade. Pelinka may pull the trigger if he can keep Austin Reaves on the roster.

Dejounte Murray is a significantly better defender and probably a better playmaker than D’Angelo Russell. A starting unit of Anthony Davis, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves and Dejounte Murray will be one of the best in the NBA.

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#1 - Donovan Mitchell

Donovan Mitchell is the mother of all trades that the LA Lakers can think of this offseason. Trade talks regarding “Spida” will be moot if he decides to sign an extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, if he snubs Cleveland’s interest, the Cavs could make him available for a trade rather than see him walk away for nothing. Mitchell has a $35.4 million player option after next season’s campaign.

To get Mitchell, Pelinka will have to let go of a handful of players which will likely include Austin Reaves and Jarred Vanderbilt. The Lakers’ 2024, 2029 and 2031 first-round picks are likely getting shipped to Cleveland as well. But if the goal is to upgrade the roster to keep LeBron James’ championship window open, they will likely go for it.