Perhaps one of the Los Angeles Lakers’ huge selling points at this stage of the offseason is that they still hold a handful of potential trade chips. How they use those chips and whom they use them for remains to be seen.
Despite a series of additions across multiple positions, L.A. could still use more upgrades to further improve the team around Luka Doncic. One way is to add a sharpshooting wing presence to the roster.
In a proposed trade involving the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons, the Lakers get Sam Hauser, Gary Harris and two second round picks in 2028 (one via DET). The Boston Celtics Jake LaRavia and Dalton Knecht, while the Pistons land defensive ace Jarred Vanderbilt.
The Lakers would be making a play with four tradable pieces in return for two additions. However, Hauser promises to be a high-impact opportunity.
Lakers Potential Three-Team Trade Sends Out ex-FRP to Land Luka Doncic a Shooter
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 30: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers on court against the Detroit Pistons in the first half at Crypto.com Arena on December 30, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
With Vanderbilt, LaRavia and Knecht, the Lakers have means. Combined, they occupy a decent chunk of the cap space the Lakers could utilize and add a star
Knecht belonging to this list sums up everything his transition to the league has been about. Going into Year 3, he has yet to break through as a consistent rotation piece. Some players take time but with the roster haul, his minutes would most likely shrink further.
The Lakers currently sit over the standard 15-man roster limit. They have to reduce it before the new season begins. In this framework, four pieces for two is a decent approach to trim the roster. As a bonus, the two incoming players are two shooters.
Los Angeles would also get future draft capital, which would make this deal worthwhile.
Harris was recently signed by the Pistons, but with potential plans for a significant swing, the franchise could open the doors to trading him. One thing about Detroit this offseason is its willingness to clear cap room.
Weighing the Thought of Getting Hauser as an Upgrade
With Hauser, the Lakers would get something different, which is enough floor stretching and threat from range. He has carved out a good niche as a low-usage, high-efficiency shooter.
Hauser is a career 41.2 percent shooter from beyond the arc. He is also down the pecking order in scoring options, which makes his profile all the more interesting.
Doncic could operate freely with a star who doesn’t demand the ball often and can shoot from distance with efficiency. This could be the addition that would project the Lakers as being somewhat ready for the upcoming season.
Hauser is on a four-year $45 million deal, which runs out in the 2028-29 season. It makes him team-friendly for the Lakers as they move out Vanderbilt and LaRavia.Harris is a complementary role piece, but Hauser would probably earn decent starting minutes alongside Doncic and Reaves.
The Lakers already have a strong guard core, but the wing has been one of their major needs still to be resolved. Hauser is not high on their speculated target list for the position, but he could be a much-needed one.
Lakers Trade Pitch Gives Luka Doncic a 42% 3-PT Sniper in Dalton Knecht Deal