The Los Angeles Lakers seem to have their roster intact for the season, or at least as intact as it can be with LeBron James and Luka Doncic combining to make $98.5 million.
With Deandre Ayton at center and Jake LaRavia on the wing, the Lakers managed to round out their lineup, although perimeter defense remains a massive concern. Unless Doncic can have a career year on the defensive side of the ball, Los Angeles will struggle to stop wings and guards from stuffing the stat sheet.
The Lakers have been linked to Andrew Wiggins, although a deal with the Miami Heat seems unlikely. That doesn’t mean there’s a shortage of options, although with limited trade chips at their disposal, the Lakers don’t have a ton of options.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 03: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives on Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns in the fourth quarter during game six of the Western Conference first round series at Staples Center on June 03, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
Los Angeles Lakers Could Trade With Phoenix Suns
After buying out Bradley Beal and trading away Kevin Durant, the Phoenix Suns are once again expected to make the playoffs. With Jalen Green and Devin Booker on the roster, the Suns will have a year or two to figure out their new core, and are expected to make some deals to get team-friendly contracts.
In the trade for Durant, the Suns added Dillon Brooks, an All-Defensive wing who is coming off the best shooting season of his career. Brooks has two seasons left on his contract and, in theory, fills an area of need for the Lakers.
“Does Phoenix, I think, eventually have the realization that they’re not going to be a play-in team?” asked Lakers’ insider Jovan Buha on his self-titled podcast. And does Dillon Brooks become available? Or I like Royce O’Neale as a bench, ninth man on this team, right? Like, ideally, you get the starting level guy. But I think if you can’t, for whatever reason, if that player isn’t out there, or it just costs too much, I still would like a bench upgrade at a minimum.”
O’Neale, like Brooks, is a solid defender who can space the floor. While he makes roughly $8 million less than Brooks, he is under contract for three seasons, limiting Los Angeles’ flexibility.
Mock Trade Sends Brooks to the Los Angeles Lakers
Brooks and James have a feud dating back to Brooks’ time with the Memphis Grizzlies, so LeBron might not be thrilled to team up with him, although if the Lakers want to make Doncic the centerpiece, they need to limit James’ influence on front office decisions.
Doncic is at his best when he is surrounded by shooters and defenders, and Brooks fills both of those roles perfectly, replacing Dorian Finney-Smith. However, the Suns might not be eager to let him go, so the Lakers will have to part with some very real assets.
The Lakers can send Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht to the Suns for Brooks.
Brooks is an upgrade on both ends of the floor over Hachimura, who is in the final season of his contract and offers the Suns some flexibility. By including Knecht, who doesn’t fit well with Doncic and Austin Reaves, the Lakers can hold onto a draft pick, which could be used in a future deal.
The Suns get Hachimura’s expiring contract as well as Knecht, who could be the ideal young floor-spacer next to Booker and Green if he develops well.
Brooks can be used in the playoffs to slow down the likes of Jalen Williams, Durant, or other top Western Conference wings. While he is hardly a superstar, he is more than capable of starting and doing the dirty work with gusto.
Lakers Linked to All-Defensive Wing as Possible Midseason Trade Target