The endless cycle of Los Angeles Lakers trade rumors is endless for a reason, and LeBron James is a big part of that reason. When James is on a team, there is pressure to compete, and anything less than the best simply isn’t good enough. The Lakers are in the playoff picture right now, but they don’t look like a true championship contender.
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, James and Anthony Davis are “growing concerned about the Lakers' ability to make significant roster upgrades with their two tradeable first-rounders." So, what can the Lakers do to ease those concerns? To help James vie for another championship at 40 years old.
Here are three trade ideas that would ease his concerns.
1. Utah Jazz: Collin Sexton and Walker Kessler
A trade with the Utah Jazz could solve multiple problems for the Lakers while simultaneously giving Davis what he’s asked for for years—a way for him to play power forward again.
Lakers get: Collin Sexton, Walker Kessler
Jazz get: Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Cam Reddish, 2029 first-round pick, 2031 first-round pick
Collin Sexton would give the Lakers another guy who can create his own shot but also someone who has vastly improved as a three-point shooter. He’s shooting 41.6% on 4.6 attempts per game this season.
Adding Walker Kessler would give the Lakers a way to play double-big with him and Davis, but also someone who could back Davis up if that’s the route they chose to take.
Plus, at just 26 (Sexton) and 23 (Kessler) years old, the Lakers would be getting two guys who could develop and grow with Austin Reaves and Dalton Knecht.
Meanwhile, Utah would add two very valuable firsts (after just taking one from the Phoenix Suns).
2. Portland Trail Blazers: Jerami Grant and Toumani Camara
Getting some additional perimeter defense to ease the load on Davis and James would be nice, and this deal with the Portland Trail Blazers would help.
Lakers get: Jerami Grant, Toumani Camara
Trail Blazers get: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, 2029 first-round pick
At this point, Jerami Grant and his massive contract probably aren’t fetching a first-round pick, but in this type of deal and considering the Lakers’ desperation, it could make sense.
Grant’s defense, shooting, and occasional shot creation would help the Lakers, and Toumani Camara would be a great wing defender for LA to deploy. (And Grant playing off of two stars would probably help his shaky efficiency.)
Portland may not love giving up Camara, but he’s almost 25 years old, and his ceiling as a player is nearing. Getting a very valuable first in this package could make it worth it for them.
3. Chicago Bulls: Nikola Vucevic and Ayo Dosunmu
This trade is a bit awkward considering there has been no indication that Ayo Dosunmu is available, but a valuable future first could catch the Chicago Bulls’ eye.
Lakers get: Nikola Vucevic, Ayo Dosunmu
Bulls get: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, 2029 first-round pick, 2025 second-round pick (via LAC)
Nikola Vucevic has been having a solid season, and his floor-spacing could pair well next to Davis. Plus, Dosunmu would give the Lakers another ball-handler to run through, as well as a solid defender at the guard position.
For the Bulls, getting a good first-rounder in any Vucevic deal would be shocking, so including Dosunmu could help them get there (though they may prefer to hang onto him).
4. New Orleans Pelicans: Brandon Ingram
If desperation were a trade, this would be it. It’s far from perfect, and giving up a pick for someone they have to extend is scary, but Brandon Ingram could definitely help the Lakers.
Lakers get: Brandon Ingram
Pelicans get: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, 2029 first-round pick
Considering how little buzz there has been regarding trade interest for Ingram, snagging a potentially valuable 2029 first-rounder could be an intriguing option for the Pelicans.
Meanwhile, the Lakers would get another shot-creator and shooter to help lift up their offense around James and Davis.
Again, having to extend him isn’t ideal, but if the Lakers want to ease James’ concerns about fielding a competitive roster, this is one way to do that.
5. Brooklyn Nets: Cameron Johnson and Day’Ron Sharpe
Guess who’s back. Back again. The Brooklyn Nets already gave the Lakers a rotation piece this season, so why not more?
Lakers get: Cameron Johnson, Day’Ron Sharpe
Nets get: Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, 2029 first-round pick, 2031 first-round pick
Cameron Johnson is one of the hottest names on the trade market this season, and his 3-and-D play style would be perfect for the Lakers. He’d be an incredible fit. Day’Ron Sharpe would be able to give them some center minutes, too.
Brooklyn has maintained their stance that they want two first-round picks for Johnson, and they’d be hard-pressed to find two better firsts than the ones LA can offer.
Whether or not the Lakers would want to give up two very valuable firsts for Johnson is another question, but if they get desperate to ease James’ concerns, this could help.