The Los Angeles Lakers have a clear need for athleticism and defense, and trading with the rival Clippers could solve those woes. Luka Doncic and company had their issues on full display as the Spurs bounced them from the NBA Cup. Perimeter defense is a concern, and the Clippers have the perfect two players.
Marcus Smart alone can’t solve the Lakers' woes. They need a wing with size and someone capable of defending at the point of attack to make a deep playoff run. The front office would love to give head coach JJ Redick options, especially after last season’s disaster, where he only trusted five players.
The Clippers are 6-19 to begin this season and already ten games back of the final guaranteed playoff spot in the Western Conference. LA doesn’t have much hope of catching up, so they should look to sell their veterans to build for the future. The Lakers would certainly have interest in Derrick Jones Jr. and Kris Dunn. Dec. 15 always kicks off trade season in the NBA, and the two sides should have discussions.
Lakers can fill their defensive void by trading with the Clippers
Dunn and DJJ played key roles in the Clippers' finishing third in defensive rating last season, but LA decided to add scorers in the offseason to try to make a deep playoff run. All it did was make the Clippers older and totally ruin their chemistry. Their awful start sunk their season, but Jones Jr. and Dunn have plenty of trade value.
This could be the perfect move because the Lakers have limited assets and need multiple pieces. Replacing Gabe Vincent with Dunn would be a significant upgrade for the purple and gold. Dunn has quietly become a 35 percent 3-point shooter, and he can be a lockdown defender on even elite players.
DJJ was a starter on the 2024 Mavericks that reached the NBA Finals. Luka Doncic helped him improve his 3-point shooting and get a $30 million contract from the Clippers. Number 77 would be happy to reunite with him in Lakerland.
Here is a look at the specifics of this potential trade.
It would cost the Lakers all of their tradeable draft capital, but Los Angeles should be willing to go all-in. Luka and Austin Reaves are in their primes. They want to win now, and this is the team’s best shot to get a second ring with LeBron James.
Vincent is on an expiring contract, and the Lakers traded Dalton Knecht last season before rescinding the deal because of a failed physical. They would have no qualms about moving on from the two players.
Draft picks are more valuable in the second apron era, but championship banners hang forever. The Lakers should be focused on maximizing their chances to win it all. That isn’t happening without an injection of defense and athleticism. Los Angeles could get two needed pieces in one move if they can convince the rival Clippers to take this offer.
The Los Angeles Lakers need a stout perimeter defender next to Luka Doncic. They acquire two in this move and give JJ Redick some needed depth and versatility. It is the perfect trade, but it is never easy convincing the Clippers to agree to a deal.