The Los Angeles Lakers roster is not currently constructed to get the best out of Luka Doncic and LeBron James.
Doncic and James are not only incredible scorers but also playmakers, so they should ideally be on the court with three-point shooters and defenders (perimeter and post).
Well, they lack sufficient quality and depth in both areas, leaving general manager Rob Pelinka with plenty of work to do this offseason.
What will make Pelinka’s job even more challenging is that the Lakers also have few trade assets or cap space to improve the team.
The most valuable asset, outside of Doncic and James, is shooting guard Austin Reaves. Therefore, even though he is a fan favorite in LA, he should probably be moved this summer.
NBA Analysis looks at three players the Lakers should pursue in exchange for Reaves, with mock trades for each.
- Los Angeles Lakers receive: Walker Kessler, KJ Martin
- Utah Jazz receive: Austin Reaves
The Lakers could do much worse than trade for Walker Kessler this offseason. The promising big man would immediately improve the team’s defense and provide a lob threat on offense.
The Utah Jazz just traded away Collin Sexton for experienced center Jusuf Nurkic. This leaves them short of scoring and playmaking in the backcourt, and Reaves would fill that void.
- Los Angeles Lakers receive: Myles Turner, Ben Sheppard
- Indiana Pacers receive: Austin Reaves, Maxi Kleber
Myles Turner has been linked with an exit from the Indiana Pacers for several seasons, and it could finally happen this summer, as a free agent or in a sign-and-trade (see above).
His underwhelming performance in the NBA Finals probably means he is not untouchable, in which case, the Lakers should grasp the opportunity to acquire him with both hands.
Tyrese Haliburton’s unfortunate Achilles injury will leave the Pacers’ offense without its talisman next season. Austin Reaves would be an excellent contingency plan.
- Los Angeles Lakers receive: Nic Claxton, Cameron Johnson
- Indiana Pacers receive: Austin Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt, Maxi Kleber, Gabe Vincent, 2031 first-round pick
Nic Claxton ticks every box for the LA Lakers. He would provide the size, strength, shot-blocking, and lob threat they desperately need from the center position.
3-and-D specialist Cameron Johnson would also seamlessly fit into the Lakers’ frontcourt, alongside James and Claxton.
A backcourt duo of Reaves and Cam Thomas would at least give Brooklyn Nets fans some reason to be excited next season.
Plus, Maxi Kleber and Gabe Vincent would clear cap space for them to make a big free agency splash in 2026.
