The Lakers may look to fine-tune their roster for a deep playoff run in 2025. Here are the most realistic trade candidates that could help boost their chances in the upcoming season.
The Los Angeles Lakers, always in win-now mode with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, may need some key additions as the 2024-25 NBA season unfolds. While the core of the team is strong, there are still a few areas that could be shored up—especially as they try to keep pace in a stacked Western Conference. With trade rumors already swirling, the Lakers could be active at the mid-season trade deadline, eyeing players who can bring shooting, defense, or playmaking to help elevate the team to championship level. We’ll break down some of the most realistic trade targets who could make a difference for the Lakers this season.
1. Jordan Clarkson
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Potential Trade Offer To The Jazz: Gabe Vincent, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2027 Second-Round Pick, 2030 Second-Round Pick
Jordan Clarkson could be a perfect trade target for the Lakers, bringing some scoring depth that they desperately need for the 2024-25 season. Last year, Clarkson averaged 17.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, proving he still has the ability to create offense on a consistent basis. His shooting percentages weren’t stellar though, with 41.3% from the field and 29.4% from three, which shows he’s not necessarily the answer to the Lakers’ long-range shooting woes, but he brings versatility and scoring punch off the bench.
The proposed deal — Gabe Vincent, Jalen Hood-Schifino, and two future second-round picks — makes sense for both sides. The Jazz have been leaning toward developing their younger guards like Keyonte George and Collin Sexton, so moving Clarkson would free up more minutes for their young core. For the Lakers, this trade would bolster their backcourt with a proven shot creator who can alleviate some of the offensive burden from LeBron and AD.
Clarkson also brings playoff experience, something the Lakers can never have enough of. He’s been a solid scorer in the postseason throughout his career, making him a reliable option when the game slows down and the Lakers need someone to break down defenses. Plus, his familiarity with Los Angeles, having played there early in his career, could make the transition smoother.
This move wouldn’t solve all of the Lakers’ problems, especially with their struggles in three-point shooting, but Clarkson’s ability to score in isolation and create his own shot would add a much-needed dynamic to the Lakers’ offense. For a team looking to make a serious playoff run, this is a trade that could move the needle.
2. Bruce Brown
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Potential Trade Offer To The Raptors: Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes, 2025 Second-Round Pick
Bruce Brown is the kind of player the Lakers could use to boost their roster mid-season. He got traded to the Raptors as part of the Pascal Siakam deal, but things have been tricky for him. Brown recently had arthroscopic surgery on his knee, which means he’s going to miss most of the preseason. Despite that, the Raptors picked up his $23 million team option for this season, but there are a lot of rumors that they might still trade him since they’re focused on building with younger players.
A trade package of Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes, and a 2025 second-round pick could make sense for both sides since he is expiring and not that valuable for other contenders. Brown averaged 9.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists last season, splitting time between the Raptors and Pacers. His shooting was solid too—48.1% from the field and 31.7% from three—and he’s always been known for his defense. For the Lakers, adding a guy like Brown, who can defend multiple positions, would take some of the defensive pressure off Anthony Davis. Plus, Brown’s ability to play multiple spots on the court gives the Lakers more flexibility in their lineups.
On the Raptors side, getting younger pieces like Hachimura and Hayes would fit with their long-term plans. Brown’s on an expiring contract, so it’s almost guaranteed they’ll be shopping him before the trade deadline. Hachimura is a forward with solid potential, and Hayes gives them another young big man to develop.
There were talks earlier in the offseason about the Raptors flipping Brown right after they got him, but his surgery made things a bit more complicated. Still, once he’s back to full health, his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively, along with his experience winning a championship in Denver, makes him a solid addition for the Lakers. If they want to make a deep playoff run, getting someone like Brown could be a crucial move.
3. Malcolm Brogdon
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Potential Trade Offer To The Wizards: D’Angelo Russell, Jalen Hood-Schifino
Malcolm Brogdon could be a perfect mid-season trade target for the Lakers, especially given their need for a reliable, experienced point guard. After a busy offseason, Brogdon now finds himself on the Washington Wizards following a trade from the Trail Blazers, as they got Deni Avdija in return. The Wizards, currently in rebuild mode, will look to move Brogdon again due to his expiring contract and the crowded backcourt they have with Bub Carrington, Johnny Davis, and mainly Jordan Poole.
A trade package involving D’Angelo Russell and Jalen Hood-Schifino could be an interesting move for both teams. Brogdon averaged 15.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.5 assists last season, shooting an impressive 41.2% from three. His ability to run the offense and provide efficient shooting would fit seamlessly with the Lakers’ needs, especially with LeBron James and Anthony Davis carrying much of the offensive load.
For the Lakers, this deal could also pave the way for Bronny James to step into a bigger role. With Brogdon as the primary playmaker, Bronny could develop into the second-string point guard full-time, taking on more responsibility as the season progresses. Russell has had his moments, but Brogdon’s consistency and leadership in a playoff setting make him a more reliable option.
From the Wizards’ perspective, getting Russell and Hood-Schifino helps their rebuild. Russell can still contribute as a scorer, and Hood-Schifino offers potential as a young guard who could develop alongside their young core. Overall, this trade works for both teams: the Lakers get a steady veteran to help make a playoff push, and the Wizards gain more pieces for their future.
4. Dorian Finney-Smith
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Potential Trade Offer To The Nets: Gabe Vincent, Jaxson Hayes, 2025 Second-Round Pick
Dorian Finney-Smith would be a great fit for the Lakers, especially if they’re looking to add some defensive toughness on the wing. Currently, with the Brooklyn Nets, Finney-Smith has been involved in trade rumors since the summer. The Nets are keeping him around for now, but with the team looking to develop their younger players and build for the future, there’s a chance they could move him mid-season.
A trade package involving Gabe Vincent, Jaxson Hayes, and a 2025 second-round pick could be enough to sway the Nets. Last season, Finney-Smith averaged 8.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and shot 34.8% from three, making him a valuable 3-and-D player. For the Lakers, this deal would give them a solid perimeter defender who can knock down threes, something the team has been lacking.
Finney-Smith’s defensive versatility would take a lot of pressure off LeBron James and Anthony Davis, allowing them to focus more on their offensive production. At the same time, the addition of Finney-Smith could help the Lakers improve their three-point shooting, which has been an area of concern.
The Nets, in return, would get Vincent and Hayes, both young and solid role players, while also collecting another draft asset for their rebuild. Overall, this trade would give both teams something they need—defensive support for the Lakers and future assets for the Nets.
5. Jonathan Isaac
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Potential Trade Offer To The Magic: Jarred Vanderbilt, Rui Hachimura
Jonathan Isaac would be a solid addition for the Lakers, especially on the defensive end. He’s been with the Magic for a while now but has had injury issues, which have kept him off the court for large chunks of his career. Despite this, the Magic extended his contract to five years for $84 million this offseason, signaling their belief in his potential. Still, his long-term health is a concern, and he could be available for the right trade since their frontcourt seems too crowded.
A trade offer of Jarred Vanderbilt and Rui Hachimura might work for both sides. Isaac’s stats last season—6.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks—aren’t eye-popping, but his value lies in his elite defensive versatility. He can guard multiple positions and would form an incredible frontcourt duo with Anthony Davis. Isaac’s shot-blocking and ability to switch onto guards would be perfect for the Lakers, who need defensive depth to compete against teams like the Nuggets and Thunder.
For the Magic, getting Vanderbilt and Hachimura would help them continue their rebuild with young, flexible players. Vanderbilt brings defensive energy and hustle, much like Isaac, while Hachimura adds scoring and a mid-range game that can complement their young core of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. This trade could balance the Magic’s roster while giving the Lakers another elite defender to help on their playoff push.
Isaac’s injury history might make this deal a gamble, but if the Lakers can manage his minutes and keep him healthy, his defense alone could be worth the risk. He’s the kind of player that could change a game by locking down the other team’s best scorer while still contributing as a shot-blocker and rebounder.
6. Goga Bitadze
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Potential Trade Offer To The Magic: Gabe Vincent, Jaxson Hayes, 2025 Second-Round Pick, 2027 Second-Round Pick
If Jonathan Isaac is not available for a trade, Goga Bitadze could be an option for the Lakers, offering them size and interior defense. Currently with the Orlando Magic, Bitadze recently signed a three-year, $25 million contract extension, solidifying his role as a backup center. Still, with Wendell Carter Jr. as the starter and Mo Wagner coming back too, Bitadze could be available if the right offer comes along.
A trade package of Gabe Vincent, Jaxson Hayes, and two second-round picks (2025 and 2027) could tempt Orlando. Bitadze averaged 5.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks last season, making him an ideal backup for Anthony Davis, providing shot-blocking and rim protection, as well as an option for starting center with AD at the four. His ability to defend the paint and finish around the rim would make him a valuable asset for a Lakers team looking to improve their depth and outside shooting to space the floor.
For the Magic, adding Vincent gives them a capable backup guard behind Cole Anthony and Jalen Suggs, while Hayes provides another young big with potential. The Magic has been building around their young core, so adding assets like second-round picks gives them even more flexibility for future moves. This trade would give both teams something they need: depth for the Lakers and developmental pieces for the Magic.