The Los Angeles Lakers need to make a blockbuster trade in order to become NBA title contenders in the 2024-25 season.
As long as LeBron James and Anthony Davis are healthy and playing at a high level, the Lakers will at least make the play-in tournament.
And if new head coach JJ Redick proves to be a significant upgrade over Darvin Ham, they could even be one of the top six seeds.
But the Lakers can’t go from a first-round exit team to a title contender without bringing in any new talent other than rookie Dalton Knecht.
Here is the blockbuster trade that the Lakers should make as soon as possible.
- Los Angeles Lakers receive: Zach LaVine, Jevon Carter
- Chicago Bulls receive: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Lakers 1st (2029), Clippers 2nd (2025)
The Lakers desperately need a better third option. The Boston Celtics’ third-best player is either Jrue Holiday or Kristaps Porzingis, the New York Knicks’ is Mikal Bridges and the Oklahoma City Thunder’s is Chet Holmgren.
JJ Redick does not have a player of that calibre in his squad – besides LeBron James and Anthony Davis, of course.
This trade would see Zach LaVine fill that void. The two-time All-Star averaged 19.5 points per game on 45% efficiency last season and could easily replicate that in LA.
The Lakers would also acquire Jevon Carter to add some guard depth and defensive tenacity to the team.
As for the Chicago Bulls, they are currently in the worst possible situation in the NBA – a non-playoff team that isn’t rebuilding.
Rui Hachimura and Jalen Hood-Schifino would be part of the Bulls’ much-needed rebuild while the Lakers’ 2029 first-round draft pick could be extremely valuable.
Trading for LaVine would probably not make the Lakers title favourites or even one of the top five teams.
But they would go from having no chance of winning the title to a small chance, and with LeBron James turning 40 in December – that has to be worth it.
There are no guarantees that the Bulls would agree to the trade but Rob Pelinka would be mad not to pull the trigger if the opportunity arises.
Related Topics
