The Los Angeles Lakers underwent a crazy transformation this summer. They re-signed Austin Reaves, traded for Walker Kessler, and made a ton of significant signings in free agency. And all the moves they made were with Luka Doncic in mind. The Lakers are trying to help him lead them to a championship, and they may have to continue that quest at the trade deadline.
LA’s roster is good. But it still may not be one of the best in the league. That means, by the time the trade deadline comes around, the Lakers will probably be considering some options. And depending on how well the top of the West is playing, the Lakers could have to consider a big swing (if it becomes available).
It’s a while away, but who could the Lakers target at the trade deadline this upcoming season? What type of move could they make? Here are some way-too-early predictions for who the Lakers could eye at the deadline.
Way-too-early Lakers trade targets to help Luka Doncic
1. Keegan Murray
Obviously, most of these trades will depend on how certain guys perform during the regular season, but Keegan Murray could be an intriguing guy for the Lakers to keep an eye on.
He struggled last year, but at his best, he’s a very, very solid 3-and-D forward, which is a position of need for LA. And playing next to Doncic and Reaves could help Murray thrive.
LA would have to combine Jarred Vanderbilt’s contract with one of Quentin Grimes or Sandro Mamukelashvili, so again, it’d depend on how guys are performing, but Murray could be an ideal fit if he shows enough promise next season.
2. Jaime Jaquez Jr.
If the Milwaukee Bucks are open for business this season, the Lakers should keep tabs on Jaime Jaquez Jr. His handling, defense, and transition attack could fit nicely next to Doncic.
Jaquez enjoyed the best season of his career last year, and he could help give the Lakers a go-to guy at the power forward position moving forward.
He’s in the final year of his contract, so the Bucks may want to trade him for value instead of extending him. That’s where LA could swoop in at the deadline.
3. Herb Jones
What do you want next to Doncic? Defense. Herb Jones is one of the best defenders in the NBA, and bringing him on board would be great for the Lakers.
As of now, it doesn’t seem like the New Orleans Pelicans are eager to trade some of their pieces, including Jones. However, maybe that could change by the deadline.
Adding a defender of Jones’ caliber to the lineup would help insulate Doncic. He’s definitely someone the Lakers should want to target.
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