The Lakers’ dream scenario for the 2025 NBA trade deadline
LeBron James is not getting any younger, and with his retirement approachingThe Los Angeles Lakers know that time is not on their side to win another championship. Over the last few seasons, the Lakers have failed to replicate their achievements inside the NBA bubble, with the exception of their 2023 NBA Cup success.
But things haven’t been so great in the NBA playoffs, with Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets constantly hampering the Lakers’ campaigns. With the fifth-seeded Lakers 23-18 under coach JJ Redick, everyone knows there’s more to come some missing pieces in the list composition to be filled. To address their staffing needs, the team’s front office needs to do this dream scenario.
LA has glaring holes on the roster
Considering the Purple and Gold basically had the same roster this year, it’s not surprising that their needs were relatively the same. To this day, Davis continues to ask the front office to pair it with a service center despite appearing in the top five center league today. That certainly makes sense, as the Lakers have had success in the past pairing him with JaVale McGee or Dwight Howard en route to a 2020 NBA Championship.
As a result, finding another big man could be the missing piece of the puzzle, especially with Nikola Jokic chasing the Purple and Gold the last few seasons. The Lakers already have Jackson Hayes, Christian Kollock and newly signed big man Trey Jamison. However, they still have restrictions that prevent Los Angeles from unlocking a new level.
On the other hand, purple and gold made noise finally parting ways with D’Angelo Russell for the second time to acquire Dorian Finney-Smith. Finney-Smith has already made a huge impact handling the team’s perimeter defense. However, the lack of a deal was the team’s need for a point guard with Russell gone.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Lakers’ front office has its work cut out to fill some holes on its roster. With James’ window closing soon, the Lakers need to move now for the team to possibly secure another title.
The Lakers finally got Jonas Valanciunas
Lakers get: Jonas Valanciunas ($9.9 million)
Wizards get: Gabe Vincent ($11 million) and two 2025 second-round picks (LAL)
Ever since the offseason, Jonas Valanciunas has been a strong target for the Lakers. His size, jump and interior presence would be perfect next to Anthony Davis. However, since the Lithuanian center signed an extension with the Washington Wizards, the team had to patiently wait until December 15 of last year to continue him. But fast forward to today, and the Lakers have yet to materialize his acquisition.
As a result, it would be a dream for the team to finally acquire the services of Valanciunas. The Lakers are likely hoping the Wizards will agree to flip their 6-foot-11 big man for Gabe Vincent and a pair of second-round draft picks. Vincent has been disappointing since wearing the purple and gold, and losing him wouldn’t hurt the Lakers’ current rotation. Furthermore, a pair of second-round draft picks should boost Washington’s draft capital, something a rebuilding team can take advantage of.
Valanciunas’ presence would be a huge boost to the Lakers’ title hopes. He would also be another big body the team can throw at the likes of Jokic or Joel Embiid. But more importantly, this also takes a huge part of the load off the injured Davis and takes center stage. Valanciunas is averaging 11.6 points, 8.2 rebounds and 0.7 blocks for the 2024/25 season.
Filling the D’Angelo Russell void with Collin Sexton
Lakers get: Colin Sexton ($18.4 million)
Jazz receivers: Jared Vanderbilt ($10.7 million), Max Christie ($7.1 million) and Cam Reddish ($2.5 million)
The Finney-Smith trend left the Lakers with a huge hole at the point guard position. To address that need in the second unit, or with James and Austin Reaves sidelined, an acquisition of Collin Sexton would be an ideal scenario for Los Angeles.
The Jazz are currently trying to move on from their veterans, including Sexton. Sexton should automatically create some offense for the Lakers, and his outside shooting would be a welcome sight. If there is anyone who can fill Russell’s shoes, it would be Sexton. The former NBA All-Rookie Second Team player is averaging 18.3 points per game while shooting a career-high 41.7 percent from beyond the arc.
In order for the Lakers to pursue Sexton, the team could offer Max Christie, Jared Vanderbilt and Cam Reddish, assuming the Jazz decide to waive two players. Vanderbilt and Reddish have disappointed the Purple and Gold this season. The former was limited by injuries, while the latter never materialized as a premier two-way player. The biggest catch for the Lakers would be giving up Christie, who is a young player who has shown tremendous upside under coach Redick.
Regardless, it would be difficult for the Jazz to turn down a move for young players who are 25 and under, given that they are going through a rebuild. On the other hand, the Lakers would get a huge offensive boost if Sexton could replicate his play with the Lakers, making such a deal incredibly tempting.
Post The Lakers’ dream scenario for the 2025 NBA trade deadline appeared first on ClutchPoints.
2025-01-25 04:51:00
