The Los Angeles Lakers have one of the best starting lineups in the NBA. Anthony Davis and LeBron James are two of the very best players in the world, Austin Reaves is displaying All-Star potential, and both Max Christie and Rui Hachimura have taken considerable steps forward in 2024-25.
Unfortunately, the second unit has thus far struggled to generate the necessary offense to properly supplement the starting lineup's production.
The ramifications of the second unit's offensive limits have unfortunately translated to the other side of the floor, as well. The starting lineup has been left with no margin for error on offense, which has inevitably resulted in less energy being expended on defense.
Thankfully, Jovan Buha of The Athletic has identified a potential trade target that the Lakers could pursue in hopes of saving the second unit: Lonzo Ball.
"I think Lonzo [Ball] is someone that's going to be on [the Lakers'] radar and I think depending on the price, if you could get him for a second or two seconds, I think that's an interesting swing."
Selected by the Lakers at No. 2 overall in the 2017 NBA Draft, Ball returning to Los Angeles would be one of the best stories and overall developments of the 2024-25 season.
Lonzo Ball is the playmaker the Lakers' second unit needs
Ball has been one of the best stories of the 2024-25 season, returning to the court after missing all of the 2022-23 and 2023-24 campaigns. He's played limited minutes, but provided valuable contributions to the Chicago Bulls during that time.
Ball has thus far appeared in 23 games, averaging 6.4 points, 3.7 assists, 3.3 rebounds, 1.6 steals, 0.6 blocks, and 1.7 three-point field goals made in 20.4 minutes per game.
Those numbers translate to 11.3 points, 6.5 assists, 5.9 rebounds, 2.8 steals, 1.0 block, and 2.9 three-point field goals made per 36 minutes. He's struggled with his efficiency, posting a slash line of .365/.330/.765, but his general production is a solid representation of what Ball can provide.
A gifted playmaker with high-level court vision and defensive attributes to facilitate team success, Ball has the tools to elevate the Lakers' second unit.
Los Angeles' bench currently ranks 29th in points and assists per game. The latter has proven to be the most glaring flaw that the second unit has, as even the capable scoring threats have suffered from the absence of a reliable bench playmaker.
There are several quality floor-spacers, including Dorian Finney-Smith and Dalton Knecht, but the Lakers are struggling to maximize their talent without either LeBron James or Austin Reaves on the court.
By adding Ball to the mix, the Lakers could maintain their defensive quality and create consistent chances for the less iso-centric reserves. The 27-year-old would also give JJ Redick another option for consistent perimeter defense—a luxury that's been tough to come by in 2024-25.
It remains unclear what the Lakers would be required to give up in a trade for Ball, but on paper, it's an intriguing option for the team to explore.