It’s been a rough year for the Los Angeles Lakers. Heading into the season, fans were upset that they didn’t make any roster changes, but the addition of JJ Redick was enough to leave hope for improvement. Through the first 24 games of the season, that hasn’t happened.
A red-hot Anthony Davis start has slowed down, LeBron James is finally showing signs of his age, and perhaps most significantly, the defense has lagged behind. The Lakers have the fifth-worst defense in the league. Teams like the Brooklyn Nets and Portland Trail Blazers have better defensive ratings than the Lakers so far this season.
So, what trades could they make to help solve that problem? These three ideas seem fairly obvious to at least consider.
1. Walker Kessler, Utah Jazz
Lakers get: Walker Kessler
Jazz get: Jalen Hood-Schifino, First-round pick
This is an idea that has been thrown around for months. Before the start of the season, it seemed off the table because of Utah’s asking price, but as the trade deadline inches closer, that could come down.
Adding a better backup big man, as well as someone who could run double bigs with Davis, seems like a fairly obvious idea for the Lakers. Kessler’s rim protection would certainly help patch up some holes on the defensive end, even if he’s not the type of star fans may be longing for.
Jalen Hood-Schifino hasn’t panned out, and while giving up a first is significant, Kessler is the type of guy who could help LA this year and beyond. Meanwhile, the Jazz would get to take a flier on a young guard while also getting back some draft capital for Kessler.
2. Nicolas Claxton, Brooklyn Nets
Lakers get: Nicolas Claxton
Nets get: D’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, First round pick, Protected first-round pick
The Brooklyn Nets have had a better season than most expected them to, but considering they should be playing a game of Capture the Flagg, that’s actually not ideal. With that in mind, they are reportedly open to trading anyone on the roster—including potentially moving Nicolas Claxton.
It would likely take a lot for the Nets to give up Claxton, but he’s the type of impact defender who could help the Lakers turn their season around. He would pair nicely with Davis and give them a solid secondary center, too. (Though they would have to add some more guard depth after a deal like this.)
As for the Nets, getting two first-rounders (one being protected) in return for Claxton could be too intriguing for them to pass up as they continue their rebuild.
**The Nets cannot trade Claxton until December 15.
3. Bruce Brown, Toronto Raptors
Lakers get: Bruce Brown
Raptors get: D’Angelo Russell, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Christian Wood, Protected first-round pick
Though he has not played for the Toronto Raptors yet this year, Bruce Brown should be a common trade target around the NBA this year. He’s a very capable defender, and the type of multi-tool player LA could benefit from adding.
The Lakers would have to pool together multiple salaries to get up to Brown’s $23 million, but it would be worth adding someone like him to help be the glue on both ends of the floor.
Meanwhile, the Raptors would get a protected first-round pick to add to their draft cabinet, as well as a youngster to take a look at.