Los Angeles Lakers Trade Targets to Complement Luka Dončić and LeBron James

The Los Angeles Lakers’ potential acquisition of Luka Dončić would be an enormous move for the franchise, pairing the Slovenian superstar with LeBron James, the most dominant player of his generation. With such a duo, the Lakers would have one of the most potent offensive trios in NBA history. However, the team would need to carefully construct its supporting cast to maximize its championship potential.

In this article, we will discuss five trade targets that could complement Dončić and LeBron, offering a mix of scoring, defense, and playmaking to fill in the gaps for the Lakers. These players would help the Lakers achieve balance, enhance the team’s depth, and provide flexibility in different matchups.

1. Dejounte Murray (Atlanta Hawks)

Why he fits: Dejounte Murray is a dynamic two-way guard who could be a perfect complement to Luka Dončić in the backcourt. While Dončić is a gifted scorer and playmaker, Murray brings strong defense and additional playmaking ability. Murray’s length and athleticism would bolster the Lakers’ perimeter defense, something that could be crucial in matchups with elite guards like Stephen Curry, Damian Lillard, or Ja Morant.

Murray is also a capable offensive player, able to create his own shot and serve as a secondary ball handler, taking some pressure off of LeBron and Luka. His ability to disrupt passing lanes and make steals could provide the Lakers with fast-break opportunities, making their transition offense even more potent. As a point guard, he’s a secondary ball handler who can ease the load on Luka, allowing him to play more off-ball when needed.

Trade Package: To acquire Murray, the Lakers would likely need to give up players like D’Angelo Russell and perhaps a couple of draft picks. While Russell is a capable scorer and playmaker, his defense is often a point of concern, especially when paired alongside Luka, who isn’t known for his perimeter defense. If the Lakers were to include draft capital or young assets (e.g., Austin Reaves), they could improve their chances of landing Murray.

2. Myles Turner (Indiana Pacers)

Why he fits: Myles Turner is one of the premier shot-blockers in the league and would offer an elite rim-protecting presence alongside LeBron James and Luka Dončić. The Lakers, as currently constructed, are often missing that true defensive anchor in the middle, and Turner could provide exactly that. His ability to protect the paint and rebound at a high level would help the Lakers on both ends of the floor.

Turner’s ability to stretch the floor is also vital. He’s capable of knocking down three-pointers at a solid clip, adding a modern touch to his game. This shooting ability would create more space for Luka and LeBron to operate in pick-and-rolls or isolation sets, improving the overall spacing and flow of the offense. Additionally, Turner’s shot-blocking prowess would help keep opposing teams from dominating the paint, which is especially important when facing bigs like Nikola Jokic or Anthony Davis’ own defensive efforts.

Trade Package: For a player like Turner, the Lakers could offer a package including role players like Rui Hachimura or Malik Beasley, combined with a few draft picks. The Pacers might be looking to rebuild or add young assets, so the Lakers’ trade package could focus on those areas while still maintaining flexibility with their core trio of LeBron, Luka, and Anthony Davis.

3. OG Anunoby (Toronto Raptors)

Why he fits: If there’s one thing that the Lakers could use more of around Luka and LeBron, it’s a versatile, elite defender. OG Anunoby is one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, and his ability to guard multiple positions would be invaluable for the Lakers. Whether the team is facing a high-scoring wing or an explosive guard, Anunoby would be able to provide crucial defensive cover, freeing up LeBron or Luka to focus on other aspects of the game.

Offensively, Anunoby is a capable spot-up shooter, knocking down threes at a respectable rate, which would space the floor and allow the stars more room to operate. He’s not a primary ball handler, but he has enough versatility to contribute on offense in a variety of ways, from cutting to finishing plays at the rim.

His blend of defense, shooting, and athleticism makes him a perfect complementary piece for a star-laden team like the Lakers. He doesn’t need the ball in his hands to make an impact but can hit timely shots and defend on the other end, freeing up the Lakers’ primary playmakers to do their work.

Trade Package: A package including either Malik Beasley or Jarred Vanderbilt plus draft picks would likely be necessary to land Anunoby. The Raptors, with a focus on building for the future, would likely be interested in young, controllable assets that fit their long-term vision.

4. Zach LaVine (Chicago Bulls)

Why he fits: Zach LaVine is one of the most explosive scorers in the league. With a smooth shooting stroke and elite athleticism, he can easily fit into the Lakers’ high-paced offense. His ability to score from all three levels (drives, mid-range, and deep three-point shooting) would offer the Lakers another weapon to ease the offensive load off of LeBron and Luka.

LaVine’s shot-making ability could be a game-changer, particularly when opposing defenses focus on containing Luka or LeBron. He can run the pick-and-roll with either player, stretch the floor, and provide a scoring spark when needed. While LaVine isn’t known for his defense, he’s not a liability either, and he could thrive in a Lakers defensive system that would allow him to be more effective without needing to carry the load on that end.

Trade Package: To acquire LaVine, the Lakers would likely have to give up one of their primary role players, possibly D’Angelo Russell, along with a combination of future draft picks. Chicago would likely need to hit the reset button, and acquiring a mix of solid role players and picks could help them in that process.

5. Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies)

Why he fits: Jaren Jackson Jr. is a unique player who combines shot-blocking, rebounding, and the ability to stretch the floor with three-point shooting. His defensive capabilities, especially as a rim protector, would provide the Lakers with an elite presence in the paint. Jackson is one of the most efficient defenders in the NBA, and his versatility in guarding multiple positions would help make up for any defensive liabilities on the perimeter.

Offensively, Jackson’s ability to stretch the floor as a big man would create significant space for LeBron and Luka to operate. As a pick-and-pop big, he could knock down open shots while also rolling to the basket when needed. His ability to play both the power forward and center positions would give the Lakers flexibility in their lineups and allow them to match up against various teams.

Trade Package: The Grizzlies may not be eager to part with Jackson, given his unique skill set, but if the Lakers were to offer a package involving younger players like Austin Reaves or Rui Hachimura, along with draft capital, they might get Memphis’ attention. Adding a player like Jackson would significantly improve the Lakers’ defense and overall versatility.