If the Los Angeles Lakers are looking to make a splash move at the NBA Trade Deadline, they will have a few realistic options.
The Los Angeles Lakers understand that they are one player away from separating themselves and unlocking Anthony Davis' potential as they could allow him to play his more natural power forward position instead of center.
If the Lakers can acquire a player who could score in the paint, stretch the floor, and protect the paint, it would bring some relief to Davis who the Lakers depend on to be the defensive anchor and score on the offensive end. With another threat to score in the post, it could open things up for Davis to operate and opponents will have to think twice before they attempt to double-team him.
On the defensive end, a player who can deter guards from driving to the lane and who can guard the likes of Nikola Jokic, Karl-Anthony Towns, Chet Holmgren, or Domantas Sabonis as the Lakers are likely to see at least one of these dynamic players in a playoff series. Davis is one of the best shot blockers in the NBA and currently ranks 5th averaging 2.6 blocks per game. But if Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka can acquire a starting caliber center or power forward before the deadline, it will make this Lakers team scary to play against.
3 Realistic trade targets for the Los Angeles Lakers
Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls
Even though he just signed a three-year contract extension during the offseason, the Chicago Bulls could be looking to move center Nikola Vucevic. With Zach LaVine's name popping up in trade rumors and the possibility of a roster retooling in the Windy City, Vucevic could be playing in a new uniform by season's end.
If he does become available, Pelinka could be all in with an attempt to acquire the two-time All-Star. Vucevic currently averages 16.7 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, and even though he is slightly past his prime, he is still a solid player whose contributions could elevate the Lakers.
Such a vital part of Vucevic's game that often goes unnoticed is his underrated ability as a passer. He's one of the best in the league at the swing pass on the drive and he can also find his teammates while playing in the post. He keeps everybody moving on offense and makes it difficult for opposing defenses to get set. If the Lakers acquire Vucevic, it would ultimately be up to head coach Darvin Ham and how he implements the offense.
The potential to dominate will be there as long as he surrounds Vucevic and Davis with good shooters and decent to average defenders. Vucevic isn't much of a rim protector and he moves slow laterally but his positives outweigh any negatives he has. However, the Bulls asking price could be steep considering there are only a few skilled big men in the league with Vucevic's particular skill set.
Andre Drummond, Chicago Bulls
It may be easier for Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka to try and pry away Andre Drummond from the Bulls instead of Nikola Vucevic. While many would agree that Vucevic is the better all-around player, Drummond could provide something that Vucevic won't and that's elite rim protection.
Drummond is also an elite shot blocker and rebounder and it would do him some good to compete for a contender at this point in his career. He already had one stint with the Lakers when he was traded during the 2020-21 season and averaged 11.9 points, 10.2 rebounds, and one block per game. The Lakers advanced to the postseason that year but were eliminated in six games in the 1st round by the Phoenix Suns.
The asking price for Drummond shouldn't be too high if Pelinka decides to pursue a deal and he most likely will play a role similar to the one he has with the Bulls. He is only playing 13.2 minutes per game with Chicago but Drummond could see a slight uptick in his minutes depending on what the Lakers need from him.
If the Lakers do bring Drummond on board, all they can ask is that he takes some of the pressure off of Davis while trying to keep him fresh and out of foul trouble. If Drummond can do his part, it could take the Lakers a long way if they trade for him.
Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors
One player Rob Pelinka could target who could change the entire dynamic of the team is Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam. He can guard bigs and is capable of switching onto any perimeter player. He also knows how to play his role and has championship experience. The Lakers lack wings who can shoot, rebound and defend adequately but Siakam can do it all.
Siakam is one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA and can also provide a bit of extra scoring if needed. Siakam was a complimentary piece on the Raptors 2019 title-winning squad so any chemistry with Davis and LeBron James should flow naturally.
The Raptors may be willing to part ways with Siakam based on the fact that he is in a contract year and will be looking for a super-max deal in the offseason. By the Raptors being a small market team, giving Siakam a super-max could drastically affect the Raptors' cap flexibility. The Raptors also have hinted towards handing the keys to the franchise over to second-year player and 2023 Rookie of the Year winner Scottie Barnes and more than likely the Raptors are setting themselves up to build around him, therefore making Siakam expendable.
It would be very risky for the Raptors to keep Siakam past the deadline considering the uncertainty of his impeding free agency. The Raptors appear to be headed to the play-in tournament at best unless they drastically improve. The more they lose, the more likely Siakam will be traded. Given his age and current contract status, Siakam is the only asset the Raptors have who would net back a decent return. It just depends on how badly the Lakers want him and what they would be willing to give up without depleting their roster.
Siakam is a difficult cover for most opposing teams due to his versatility on both ends of the floor and coaches have tried different strategies in an attempt to minimize his impact. Pairing Siakam with Davis and James could be a brilliant move and could very well shift the balance of power in the Western Conference.