3 Low-cost trade targets Los Angeles Lakers would benefit from acquiring
The Los Angeles Lakers are in the market for an upgrade at several spots in the rotation. With limited cap space and a roster that's nearly at capacity, however, there are understandable concerns about whether Los Angeles will be able to make a meaningful improvement to its core.
Thankfully for Rob Pelinka and the Lakers, a blockbuster trade for a big name isn't the only way the team can still improve this offseason.
Los Angeles has a strong core, centered around All-NBA mainstays Anthony Davis and LeBron James. Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves are offensive players with untapped potential, D'Angelo Russell is one of the most productive point guards in the NBA, and Dalton Knecht has been heralded as a draft-day steal.
The hiring of a new coach should also change the tone in the locker room, albeit while creating new questions pertaining to JJ Redick and his lack of coaching experience.
True as this may be, there are still areas in which Los Angeles must improve before the start of the 2024-25 season. Trades remain a possibility for the Lakers, with big names such as Darius Garland, Brandon Ingram, and Trae Young incessantly linked to the franchise.
If the Lakers don't want to pay the price to add an All-Star in their prime, however, there are options that could arrive at a significantly lower cost—starting with a veteran in a potentially transitional role.
Malcolm Brogdon, Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards are in the midst of a rebuild that will be centered around their three 2024 first-round draft picks. In addition to adding an influx of youth, however, the team has also bolstered the roster with veterans Malcolm Brogdon and Jonas Valančiūnas.
In the event that the Wizards are willing to negotiate a trade centered around Brogdon, he would be the perfect point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers to balance their lineup with.
Brogdon, 31, is entering the final season of his two-year, $45 million contract. With $22.5 million owed to him, the Lakers could potentially create a trade package that's centered around Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, and draft compensation.
In the event that such a trade works, Brogdon would be joining the Lakers with an opportunity to provide instant value in a starting or bench role.
Brogdon continues to produce at a high level. In 2023-24, he averaged 15.7 points, 5.5 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.1 three-point field goals made per game on .440/.412/.819 shooting.
Beyond the numbers, his court vision and elite efficiency from beyond the arc would make him a perfect fit for a Lakers team that's looking to improve from ranking No. 24 in three-point field goals made in 2023-24.
It's possible that Washington will ask for D'Angelo Russell, but if the Lakers are able to get this deal done without losing their starting point guard, the quality of their depth would improve exponentially.