One of the most challenging aspects of navigating the trade market is the understanding that new names will appear just when it seems as though there's no one else to consider. That could certainly be perceived as a positive, but for the Los Angeles Lakers, it's come to complicate their pursuits.
The silver lining, however, is that the Lakers haven't actually pulled the trigger on a potential trade and will thus have the opportunity to weigh their options.
Los Angeles has been linked to at least eight players during the early stages of the 2024-25 regular season. One of the common themes to emerge from those rumors has been an interest in improving the team's interior depth and general quality on defense.
According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Sacramento Kings may have an answer to some of the Lakers' woes in versatile forward Trey Lyles.
"Trey Lyles has had some success as a small ball five in Sacramento and is considered available for trade along with Kings swingman Kevin Huerter, sources said."
Lyles wouldn't resolve all of the Lakers' issues, but he could be a low-cost acquisition to get the ball rolling on the process of sweeping in-season changes.
Kings open to trading Trey Lyles, an ideal Lakers fit
Lyles has never been the flashiest player, but he's carved out a 10-year NBA career by doing the little things. He competes on the defensive end of the floor, is capable of spacing the floor at an adequate level, and provides a degree of value as a rebounder.
Lyles has admittedly struggled to find his form in 2024-25, but his track record of consistent value and success is impossible to overlook.
The 6'9" and 234-pound veteran has shot 35.0 percent or better from beyond the arc in six of his 10 NBA seasons. That includes four seasons above 38.0 percent, as well as the fact that he's knocked down 36.7 percent of his 588 attempts in four seasons with the Kings.
For a Lakers team that ranks No. 25 in three-point field goals made, No. 20 in three-point field goal percentage, and No. 25 in catch-and-shoot threes made, Lyles could provide instant value.
In addition to shooting 40.0 percent on catch-and-shoot threes in 2023-24, Lyles has made his name on defense. He's a fundamentally sound player who makes it a point to be in the right place at the right time, thus ensuring the quality of the team's overall defensive formation.
It's the type of characteristic the Lakers have been lacking in 2024-25, which is why his 3-and-D prowess could prove beneficial.
With an expiring $8 million salary, the cost of acquiring Lyles before the deadline could prove minimal. It's the type of low-risk investment that would perfectly supplement the bigger splashes Los Angeles plans to make, including the expected acquisition of a quality center.
Trading for Lyles may not resolve all of the Lakers' issues, but if the priority is improving on defense and adding high-IQ players to complement the stars, he's the perfect low-risk trade target.