5 Trade Targets for the Los Angeles Lakers to Support Luka Dončić and LeBron James
1. Jrue Holiday (Milwaukee Bucks) – Defensive and Playmaking Boost
Why it makes sense:
The Lakers, already stacked with star power in LeBron and Luka, would greatly benefit from a perimeter defender and secondary playmaker to ease the load on Luka and LeBron. While the addition of Holiday would raise the team’s overall defense, he would also be a reliable second-ball handler alongside Luka, helping to take the pressure off LeBron.
How Jrue Holiday fits:
Holiday has long been one of the best two-way guards in the NBA. He can play alongside Luka as a secondary ball handler or step in when LeBron is off the floor. His defense would be vital in guarding opposing perimeter players like Stephen Curry, Ja Morant, or any other star that could threaten the Lakers’ playoff hopes. His ability to guard both backcourt and wing positions allows flexibility for head coach Darvin Ham.
Additionally, Holiday’s veteran leadership and big-game experience would be valuable on a team with title aspirations. His efficient scoring and ability to create for teammates would further balance the offensive load between LeBron and Luka.
Trade Consideration: The Bucks are currently looking to balance their roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo, but they may consider moving Holiday if it helps them improve team depth or adjust their salary cap. A trade could involve moving a combination of Russell Westbrook (if still on the roster), future draft picks, and perhaps one or two role players like Austin Reaves. This would allow the Lakers to add a two-way guard capable of elevating their defense and playmaking.
2. Zach LaVine (Chicago Bulls) – Scoring Punch and Floor Spacing
Why it makes sense:
Zach LaVine is one of the most explosive shooting guards in the league, and he brings the type of scoring ability that could take the Lakers’ offense to the next level. While the Lakers have LeBron and Luka, their offensive attack could use another reliable scoring threat, especially a guard who can create his own shot. LaVine has averaged 25+ points per game in multiple seasons and possesses elite athleticism and shooting range.
How Zach LaVine fits:
LaVine would slot in nicely as the team’s third offensive option, giving the Lakers another reliable scorer who can hit from three-point range, attack the rim, and create for himself in isolation. With Luka and LeBron already commanding double-teams, LaVine’s shooting ability would allow him to feast on open looks. His ability to stretch the floor and finish in transition would be ideal for the Lakers, especially alongside players like LeBron and Luka who excel in fast breaks and transition basketball.
Defensively, LaVine is a decent player but could struggle at times guarding elite wing players. However, with LeBron and the presence of other defenders like Anthony Davis in the lineup, the Lakers could afford to take that risk. LaVine’s athleticism would also provide the Lakers with additional versatility in their wing rotations.
Trade Consideration: The Bulls have been in a bit of a rebuild and may be willing to move LaVine if it helps their future. To acquire LaVine, the Lakers might need to package players like Malik Beasley, a first-round pick, and perhaps another mid-tier asset to balance salaries and sweeten the deal. If the Lakers want to add another star-level scorer without sacrificing too much defense, LaVine could be the perfect fit.
3. DeMar DeRozan (Chicago Bulls) – Midrange Mastery and Leadership
Why it makes sense:
DeMar DeRozan’s skill set would complement Luka Dončić and LeBron James in a way that makes the Lakers’ offense almost impossible to stop. DeRozan is one of the best mid-range shooters in the game and has developed a strong passing game in recent years. His veteran leadership and ability to operate in clutch situations would be invaluable for the Lakers, especially come playoff time.
How DeMar DeRozan fits:
As a primary scorer, DeRozan can provide the Lakers with another dimension of offense. His ability to operate in the mid-range and make plays in isolation could ease the load on Luka and LeBron. DeRozan is also a very intelligent basketball player and has evolved into a very capable playmaker, which would provide additional ball movement and open up opportunities for others.
While DeRozan isn’t known for his three-point shooting or perimeter defense, his leadership, scoring, and clutch shot-making ability make him an ideal fit alongside a pair of superstars in LeBron and Luka. The combination of DeRozan’s mid-range game with LeBron and Luka’s ability to create for others would create a dangerous offensive trifecta.
Trade Consideration: Given that DeRozan’s value has been tied to his scoring and leadership, the Bulls might be open to trading him for younger players or draft assets. The Lakers could potentially offer a package around a veteran like Patrick Beverley (if still on the team), a first-round pick, and a couple of young pieces like Max Christie. The key for the Lakers would be ensuring the deal doesn’t gut their rotation too much.
4. Matisse Thybulle (Portland Trail Blazers) – Defensive Specialist with Versatile Potential
Why it makes sense:
If the Lakers are looking to bolster their defense, Matisse Thybulle should be at the top of their list. A former All-Defensive Team player, Thybulle is one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA. While not known for his offense, his defensive prowess would fit perfectly alongside Luka and LeBron. In fact, his ability to defend elite wings and guards would allow LeBron to focus more on offense and less on guarding opposing superstars.
How Matisse Thybulle fits:
Thybulle’s primary role would be as a wing defender, a key asset when the Lakers face high-scoring guards and forwards in the playoffs. His on-ball defense is elite, and he’s capable of guarding multiple positions. While Thybulle isn’t known for his shooting, he can knock down open threes at a passable rate, and the Lakers would be happy to have him space the floor around LeBron and Luka.
With Thybulle, the Lakers could lock down some of the NBA’s best perimeter players while maintaining flexibility on offense. His ability to disrupt passing lanes, pressure the ball, and switch across positions would make the Lakers one of the toughest teams to score on in the league.
Trade Consideration: The Portland Trail Blazers, rebuilding around Damian Lillard and their young core, might be willing to move Thybulle if it helps them in the long term. The Lakers would likely need to part with players like Rui Hachimura and a draft pick to make this trade work. In this case, the Lakers wouldn’t be adding another scorer but would be significantly improving their defense.
5. Jonas Valančiūnas (New Orleans Pelicans) – Rebounding and Post Presence
Why it makes sense:
The Lakers have struggled at times to get consistent rebounding and paint scoring, especially when Anthony Davis is off the floor or playing the 4. Jonas Valančiūnas, one of the best rebounding big men in the league, would provide the Lakers with a powerful interior presence on both ends of the court. His ability to dominate in the post and crash the boards would free up LeBron and Luka for more perimeter-based offense, while giving the Lakers an additional scoring threat inside.
How Jonas Valančiūnas fits:
Valančiūnas is a big-bodied center with a soft touch around the rim and the ability to stretch the floor with mid-range shooting. In addition to his rebounding, he’s also a skilled post player who can create scoring opportunities for himself and others. With LeBron and Luka occupying opposing defenses on the perimeter, Valančiūnas would have plenty of space to operate in the paint.
Having a legitimate center who can grab rebounds and protect the rim would also free up Anthony Davis to play more on the perimeter or as a secondary shot-blocker. The Lakers could benefit from a more traditional center to anchor their defense, and Valančiūnas fits that bill perfectly.
Trade Consideration: The New Orleans Pelicans are likely committed to building around Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and their young core. To acquire Valančiūnas, the Lakers could offer a package around Mo Bamba, and possibly a pick or a young asset like Max Christie, to provide the Pelicans with long-term flexibility.
