3 Trade targets who can help fix the Los Angeles Lakers' abysmal defense

The Los Angeles Lakers are scoring at will and allowing opponents to do the same against them. It's one of the most frustrating elements of an otherwise intriguing start to the season, as first-year head coach JJ Redick has cracked one code and struggled to decipher another.

Thankfully, there are realistic options on the trade market that can help the Lakers make significant changes to a strong, but flawed rotation.

Los Angeles is currently allowing 117.9 points per 100 possessions—a number that's as alarming as it sounds. It ranks No. 27 in the NBA in defensive rating, and the only teams worse than them in that regard are sitting well below .500.

For that matter, every team in the NBA allowing at least 116.0 points per 100 possessions is below the .500 line—with the exception of the Lakers.

The silver lining is that Los Angeles ranks in the top five in the NBA in offensive rating. The unfortunate downside is that the team is desperate for help on the defensive end of the floor and may not have the right answer on its roster.

Thankfully, there are three potentially significant trade targets for the Lakers to consider in the pursuit of improved defensive consistency.

1. Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets

One of the biggest issues facing the Lakers in 2024-25 is the absence of Jarred Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt may eventually return from injury and fill the desired role of a wing-stopper, but in the meantime, Los Angeles must explore other options.

One of the most promising candidates to consider is Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith—a versatile defender who fits the mold of a 3-and-D player.

Finney-Smith, a career 35.7 percent shooter from beyond the arc, is more than capable of knocking down an open shot. He's also a 6'7" and 220-pound forward with a near 7'0" wingspan and a track record that suggests he can bridge the defensive gap for the Lakers.

At $14,924,167 for the 2024-25 season with a $15,378,480 player option that he could decline in pursuit of a bigger deal next summer, Finney-Smith is also an affordable trade target.

The question here will be what the Brooklyn Nets want in exchange for Finney-Smith. If they're willing to part with him for second-round compensation, then the Lakers should give serious consideration to bringing in a player who has proven capable of thriving alongside superstars in the past.

Finney-Smith may not single-handedly fix the Lakers' broken defense, but adding a proven high-level defender would be a massive step in the right direction.

2. Marcus Smart, Memphis Grizzlies

It may seem outrageous to list Marcus Smart here, but there's a simple reason to kick the tires on this trade: He seems to have fallen out of favor with the Memphis Grizzlies. Smart is playing just 20.0 minutes per game, and the emergence of Scotty Pippen Jr. has done him no favors.

If the Grizzlies decide that moving on from Smart is an option, then the Lakers would be wise to swoop in and at least explore the potential for a deal.

Smart carries a hefty salary at $20,210,285 for the 2024-25 campaign and $21,586,856 for the 2025-26 season. As such, there's obvious risk to be considered and weighed against the pros of a potential trade for the 2021-22 Defensive Player of the Year.

If the Lakers are willing to attach draft compensation to a deal that centers around Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent, however, a conversation could begin.

Smart has never been an efficient offensive player, but his defense would transform the Lakers' perimeter quality. He's aggressive in creating turnovers, versatile enough to play up from his size and position, and a proven postseason commodity whose game translates well.

There's financial risk involved in this decision, but taking a chance on Smart to become the unquestioned best defensive guard on the Lakers is a risk that would hold merit.

3. Jonas Valanciunas, Washington Wizards

Hear me out.

No, Jonas Valanciunas isn't to be confused with an elite defensive player. He's serviceable in that regard, but there are flaws that must be acknowledged in terms of defending in space and operating along the perimeter.

Very few issues are as pressing in Los Angeles, however, as the inability to keep opposing teams' post players and offensive rebounders at bay—and Valanciunas can resolve both of those issues.

The Lakers currently rank No. 20 in offensive rebounds allowed per 100 possessions and No. 24 in second-chance points allowed. It's also No. 27 in points allowed in the paint—all of which can be attributed to its inability to prevent heavier players from imposing their will down low.

Valanciunas, a 265-pound center who has made a career out of thriving in the post and controlling the glass, could help tenfold.

Valanciunas boasts career averages of 6.7 defensive rebounds per game and 9.4 per 36 minutes. Moreover, he utilizes his strong frame and gigantic wingspan to corral rebounds, contest shots with reasonable efficacy at the rim, and prevent post players from simply backing him down for an easy two points.

Valanciunas may not be a traditional defensive stopper, but based on the specifics of what the Lakers need, he fits the bill as an ideal trade target.