Lakers Interested in Trade for $23 Million NBA Champion After Doncic Deal

The Los Angeles Lakers are once again making headlines, and this time, they are reportedly eyeing a potential trade for a $23 million NBA champion following the monumental deal that sent Luka Dončić to a new destination. This development could have massive implications for the Lakers’ championship aspirations, as well as reshape the NBA landscape in an already competitive season.

The Current NBA Landscape and the Doncic Deal

The trade of Luka Dončić has rocked the NBA world, sparking conversations about the shifting balance of power across the league. Dončić, one of the brightest young stars in the NBA, has become a centerpiece of his team. However, with his departure, many expected teams, including the Lakers, to make moves to improve their roster, particularly after the 2024 NBA offseason when the Lakers showed they were willing to make big changes to bolster their chances of competing for a title.

Now that the dust has settled on the Dončić deal, the Lakers are reportedly keeping a close eye on a former NBA champion who is currently making $23 million annually. The player in question is believed to be someone with both championship experience and the skill set to help elevate a Lakers team that is once again focused on securing another title.

The Lakers’ Current Roster and Needs

Heading into the 2024-2025 NBA season, the Lakers are in an interesting position. While LeBron James and Anthony Davis remain the cornerstones of the team, they are aging, and the Lakers need to ensure that they have enough depth and firepower to contend with the league’s top teams, including the Denver Nuggets, Milwaukee Bucks, and Phoenix Suns.

Last season, the Lakers made a strong playoff push, but they ultimately fell short of reaching the Finals, largely due to a lack of consistent scoring and defense from their supporting cast. Role players like Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, and Rui Hachimura have shown promise, but they need more veteran leadership and depth to help the team over the hump.

A potential trade for a proven player with championship pedigree could be the move that puts the Lakers back in the hunt for a Finals appearance. The Lakers have the financial flexibility and assets to make a move, especially if the player they are targeting is a $23 million asset.

Who Is the $23 Million NBA Champion?

While the specific name of the player the Lakers are targeting remains under wraps, there are several candidates who fit the description of a $23 million NBA champion. One potential name is Jrue Holiday, who is widely considered one of the top two-way players in the league and was a key figure in the Milwaukee Bucks’ 2021 NBA Championship run. Holiday has proven to be an elite defender and playmaker, and his experience in high-pressure situations could be exactly what the Lakers need alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Holiday is on a $25 million contract, but the Bucks have reportedly been exploring trades to get younger and reset their salary cap. If they are willing to move on from Holiday, the Lakers could jump at the chance to add a player who can defend multiple positions, facilitate the offense, and hit timely shots when needed.

Another possible name to consider is Khris Middleton, also from the Bucks’ 2021 championship team. Middleton, a reliable scorer and veteran, could fit into the Lakers’ rotation as a versatile wing who can provide both offense and defense. At $23 million per year, Middleton could be an ideal fit if the Lakers are looking for a player who can seamlessly integrate with their existing core of LeBron and Davis.

However, other candidates could also emerge. With multiple teams likely to make moves in the upcoming months, including the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, and others, the market could open up to more championship-caliber players who are on similar contracts.

The Trade Package: What Would the Lakers Offer?

As always with trade rumors, one of the most pressing questions is what the Lakers would offer in exchange for the $23 million NBA champion. The Lakers have several assets that could make them a formidable trade partner, but it will depend on the specific player in question.

If the Lakers are targeting a player like Jrue Holiday or Khris Middleton, they could start by offering a combination of role players, draft picks, and possibly a young prospect like Max Christie. The Lakers also have some flexibility with the contracts of D’Angelo Russell and Malik Beasley, both of whom are on expiring contracts and could be appealing to teams looking to shed salary or retool their rosters.

The Lakers may also be willing to part with a future first-round pick, especially if they believe that the addition of a championship-caliber player will help them contend for the title immediately. The uncertainty surrounding LeBron James’ future also adds a sense of urgency for the Lakers to maximize their championship window, making a trade for a proven player even more appealing.

One factor that could work in the Lakers’ favor is the $23 million player’s current situation with their team. If that player is in a situation where they are underutilized or their team is in rebuilding mode, they may welcome a change of scenery to join a team with championship aspirations. In that case, the Lakers may be able to acquire the player without giving up a significant portion of their roster or future assets.

The Impact on the Lakers’ Championship Hopes

Adding a $23 million NBA champion could have a profound impact on the Lakers’ chances of competing for another title. The team has already proven that they can contend with the best when they are healthy, but they have lacked the depth and consistency at times in recent seasons. A player with championship experience could help shore up the team’s weaknesses and provide the leadership necessary to guide the Lakers through the postseason grind.

The Lakers’ defense, which has been one of their strengths in recent years, could be bolstered by a player like Jrue Holiday or Khris Middleton. Both players are excellent defenders who can guard multiple positions, which would help the Lakers slow down opposing teams’ star players in the playoffs.

Offensively, a proven scorer who can create his own shot and space the floor would take pressure off LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The Lakers have struggled with spacing at times, and adding a player like Holiday or Middleton who can hit perimeter shots could open up driving lanes for LeBron and Davis.

Perhaps most importantly, the addition of a seasoned NBA champion could give the Lakers a psychological edge. With both LeBron James and Anthony Davis having extensive playoff experience, they know the value of having reliable veterans in the postseason. A $23 million NBA champion who has been through the highs and lows of the playoffs could make a significant difference in tight games when the pressure is at its highest.