NBA Rumors: Exploring five non-star trade targets that would help transform the Los Angeles Lakers into championship contenders next season.
It's no secret that the Los Angeles Lakers are going to head into the NBA offseason with the priority of trying to acquire a third All-Star player to complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis as the team looks for the final piece of their championship puzzle. However, as it often is, that could end up being a lot easier said than done. In fact, I'd argue there's a better chance that the Lakers aren't able to trade for an All-Star player this offseason.
If the Lakers do run into some trouble on that front, there could be some other non-star players that are still worth pursuing. As we inch closer and closer to the offseason, we explore five non-star trade targets that could still help transform the Lakers into a championship contender next season.
Malcolm Brogdon, Portland Trail Blazers
Looking at the Lakers' roster, most of the team's struggle falls on their inconsistent backcourt. Adding a combo guard like Malcolm Brogdon wouldn't solve all of their issues but could go a long way in helping the team find some consistent veteran experience in the backcourt.
Acquiring Brogdon wouldn't break the bank and would give the Lakers another quality option next to D'Angelo Russell (if he elects to stay around). If the Lakers are looking for a cheap option in the backcourt, Brogdon could end up being the move.
Jordan Clarkson and Collin Sexton, Utah Jazz
If the Los Angeles Lakers are looking for a potential two-for-one special heading into the NBA offseason, they could look to the Utah Jazz. If the Lakers are looking to completely revamp their backcourt, targeting Jordan Clarkson and Collin Sexton from the Jazz could be a good way to do so. Sexton looked pretty strong down the stretch in Utah and Clarkson would give Los Angeles another offensive option for the team off the bench. There's a chance we still haven't seen the best of Sexton and Clarkson is at the point of his career where what you see is what you get. There are no surprises with him.
The Lakers could completely change the look of their backcourt with this move and as an added incentive, this trade wouldn't break the bank for the team either. Depending on what the Lakers will be looking for in a non-star trade this offseason, the Jazz could give Los Angeles exactly what they need with Clarkson and Sexton.
You'd have to think that the most difficult part of making this deal happen revolves around selling the Jazz on pivoting toward a retooling of their roster.
Bruce Brown, Toronto Raptors
As we get closer and closer to the 2024 NBA Draft, one non-star name to keep an eye on is Bruce Brown. From all indications, the belief is that he's going to be traded at some point early on in the offseason. And if it becomes clear that the Los Angeles Lakers are going to have a difficult time in landing an All-Star player via trade this offseason, you can't help but wonder if the team should be willing to pivot toward a pursuit of Brown. As a do-it-all wing, Brown could be an intriguing fit for the Lakers.
If LeBron James and Anthony Davis can continue to play at a high level heading into next season, the Lakers could get away with adding a third option. That's exactly what Brown can be for Los Angeles. In fact, I'd argue that he's elite in such a role. If Brown could replicate the role he played for the Denver Nuggets a couple of seasons ago in Los Angeles, the Lakers would be in great hands.
As far as non-star players go, there's an argument to be made that Brown is the most proven of all the Lakers' options.
Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers
In the event that Donovan Mitchell does end up re-signing his long-term extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers, there seems to be a non-zero chance that the Cavs end up exploring the trade market for Darius Garland. As the team looks to pivot toward a build that complements Mitchell better, Garland could be a player used in those efforts. If Garland does become available this offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers could pivot away from their All-Star pursuits to target the young point guard.
Garland may not be an All-Star player at this point in his career but could seemingly grow into such a role in the near future. The Lakers could pursue Garland in hopes that playing next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis would help him get to that point.
The only concern the Lakers could have in potentially pursuing a deal for Garland is whether or not he's at a point in his career where he's ready for such a role. Can he become a missing piece for the Lakers and will he be able to lead this franchise to greater heights alongside LeBron and AD?