These 3 trades could massively change the Lakers trajectory

This season Lakers fans have had the pleasure of watching some better basketball than what we were subjected to last season. Anthony Davis is playing at an MVP and DPOY level and some of the team’s free-agent acquisitions have proven to be valuable assets with players like Lonnie Walker IV, Troy Brown Jr. and now Dennis Schroder. There have, however, been some free-agent signings and trades that have not quite panned out the way the front office would’ve hoped.

On the Lakers Talk podcast with Allen Asliwa, insider Jovan Buha mentioned that not only have Patrick Beverley, Kendrick Nunn, and Damian Jones all been disappointments thus far but also that the team is looking to package Nunn, Beverley and a first with a possible minimum contract sprinkled in for a player — or multiple players — in the $18-25 million range.

The originally discussed package we heard all throughout the offseason and into the regular season of Russ and two first-round picks just isn’t exactly gaining the traction the organization had thought. With Westbrook’s play as of late, I’m not quite sure getting rid of him would be good for the team.

Instead, Let’s take a look at some trade packages the Lakers could look for in the coming weeks.

1. Lakers make a different trade with the Indiana Pacers

This is it. The money shot. This is the player Lakers fans have been eyeballing for a few seasons now and for good reason. Turner is consistently among the league leaders in blocks per game, shoots tremendously well from 3, and best of all LOVES to play the center position.

It seems that on paper Turner would shore up quite a few of the Lakers’ deficiencies. Although Anthony Davis has been unreal on the defensive end, Turner’s shot-blocking ability would turn Anthony Davis into even more of a monster.

Earlier this season, Davis compared his role now at the five to his role in 2020 where he was able to roam around on the defensive end thanks to Dwight Howard and Javale McGee, rather than being tethered to the paint like he is now. Turner gets him back to roaming.

Turner being so happily willing to play the five provides not only a new twist on the defense, but maybe even more importantly, would take the physical load of the position off of AD hopefully resulting in better health for the Lakers big man.

Lastly, his three-point efficiency would have a two-pronged benefit. One, he’d massively help a Lakers team that’s struggled with the three-point shot. Two, his shooting would space the floor fantastically for players like LeBron and Westbrook who thrive on driving into the lane. All in all, Turner would fit very well, but could there be a better option?

2. Lakers scalp role players from the Hornets

This deal definitely doesn’t involve any players on the caliber of Myles Turner but provides good-quality role players and much-needed depth where the Lakers need it. Oubre, a lanky forward who can definitely score when asked to, and Plumlee, a big-bodied center with sneaky bounce, would be warmly welcomed by the team and fans alike.

Although not quite the shot-blocker, shooter, or overall player that Turner is, Plumlee has carved out a nice career for himself thanks to his natural athleticism and work ethic. When a hard worker like that off the bench can provide nine and nine as he does, he is more than welcome on this roster.

Plumlee would also provide the Lakers with the same perk of relieving AD of some of his center duties. A big-man group of AD, Thomas Bryant, Wenyen Gabriel, and Mason Plumlee might just be enough.

Oubre is a player that would quickly become a fan favorite. Playing with constant confidence bordering on overconfidence, (evident in doing the too-small celebration down 28 to Boston the other night) he can get hot in a hurry and get a crowd buzzing.

While not shooting great from three at 31%, he’s averaging 19.6 points this season and would be a great spark off the bench next to Russell Westbrook. Even though this wouldn’t be shabby, I have one more that’s sort of fun.

3. Lakers reunite with Kyle Kuzma

During this holiday season, I just can’t help but love a family reunion. Not only would it be so much fun to see Kyle Kuzma back in the purple and gold, but if you haven’t been paying attention, he’s also been balling out in Washington. So basketball-wise it wouldn’t suck. Gafford certainly wouldn’t be a bad prize either.

Gafford is a young 6’10 center who provides yet again a big body to take the brunt of the blows down in the paint in place of AD. Gafford, who shoots 73% from the field, doesn’t get many minutes in Washington but when you look at the advanced stats you see an extremely efficient big man. Gafford is averaging a double-double per 36 minutes.

When it comes to our prodigal son Kuz, he’s done a bit of growing up while away. Averaging 17 points per game last season and 20 points per game this season, Kuzma racked up a staggering 24 double-doubles last season and already has five this season. He’d provide the Lakers with that perfect big wing player and the perfect three-and-D power forward down the stretch of games.

3 teams that should scoop up Matt Ryan after Lakers shocking waive

The Los Angeles Lakers made the shocking decision to waive Matt Ryan on Wednesday and these three teams should be lining up to sign the sharpshooter.

After the big win on Wednesday against the Dame-less Portland Trail Blazers, the Lakers are looking like they’re hitting their stride and it’s exciting. Whether or not they make a trade is yet to be seen. But as of right now, at least the team is a blast to watch.