• Tue. Feb 18th, 2025

Trades the Lakers Should Consider Following the Luka Doncic Deal

3 Trades the Lakers Must Make After Acquiring Luka Doncic

The Los Angeles Lakers have completely reshaped their roster around LeBron James, with Anthony Davis and Max Christie heading to the Mavericks. With the trade deadline approaching on February 6th, the team now faces the task of completing this overhaul with three key trades.

While acquiring Luka Doncic was a monumental move for the Lakers, their roster remains a work in progress. Bringing in a generational talent solidifies the team’s future, but there are still gaps to fill.

Luka Doncic and LeBron James now form an exciting backcourt duo, but the Lakers still lack the necessary depth, defensive strength, and frontcourt help to be true championship contenders this season.

With Anthony Davis no longer in the fold, the Lakers’ frontcourt looks thin, relying on Jaxson Hayes and Christian Wood—neither of whom are dependable starters on a title-contending team. The supporting cast, while promising, is a mix of young players and inconsistent veterans, underscoring the need for further moves.

To maximize their championship chances with LeBron and successfully transition into the Luka era, Rob Pelinka must act before the trade deadline. Here are three trades the Lakers should pursue to strengthen their roster.

A Bold Move for Myles Turner

Myles Turner has long been linked to the Lakers, and now, with Anthony Davis gone, it’s the ideal time to finalize a trade. Turner is putting up 15.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game, along with a solid 40.0% shooting from three-point range.

As a rare big man who can protect the rim while also stretching the floor, Turner would be an excellent complement to Luka Doncic and LeBron James. His ability to spread the floor would prevent congestion in the paint, allowing the stars to operate more freely. Defensively, Turner would provide the Lakers with a crucial anchor.

For the Indiana Pacers, Turner is set to become a free agent after this season, and if they are unsure about re-signing him, this trade offers them valuable role players in return. Rui Hachimura adds scoring and size, while Jarred Vanderbilt brings elite perimeter defense to the table, complementing Indiana’s young core. By trading Turner, the Pacers gain solid assets for their rebuild.

For the Lakers, this trade is a chance to upgrade both defensively and in shooting, all without parting with draft picks. Turner would immediately become the team’s top big man, providing a long-term option next to Luka and LeBron. If the Lakers hope to contend now, this is a move they must make.

A Dual Deal for Clint Capela and Bogdan Bogdanovic

The Lakers need size, rebounding, and shooting, and this trade addresses both needs with one transaction. Clint Capela would slide in as the starting center, bringing elite rim protection and rebounding—something the Lakers have missed since moving Anthony Davis.

Capela is averaging 9.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game this season and remains one of the most consistent paint defenders in the league. His ability to set hard screens and finish lobs from Luka and LeBron would make him a key player for any championship push.

Bogdan Bogdanovic would add a dynamic scoring option and secondary playmaker to the Lakers’ rotation. Currently averaging 10.0 points per game on a rough 30.1% shooting from beyond the arc, Bogdanovic could thrive in a system led by Luka and LeBron. His off-ball movement and shot-making ability would punish defenses, and he has the potential to return to top form.

With a lack of reliable bench scoring, Bogdanovic would help fill that gap while also offering additional ball-handling capabilities.

 

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