3 Low-cost trade targets Los Angeles Lakers would benefit from acquiring

Brook Lopez, Milwaukee Bucks

There's reason to question whether, "Low-cost," is actually an appropriate distinction here. According to Milwaukee Bucks insider Gery Woelfel, the asking price to acquire Brook Lopez is a first-round draft pick. It would also cost the salary to match his $23 million deal.

If the Los Angeles Lakers remain patient, however, they could potentially acquire Lopez for a second-rounder if the Bucks realize how limited the market is at their current asking price.

Lopez, 36, has an expiring contract worth $23 million. That's an attainable figure for the Lakers, albeit while requiring general manager Rob Pelinka to decide just how much he's willing to pay for an ideal fit who will become a free agent as soon as 2025.

Hypothetically, the Lakers could part with Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, and a first-round draft pick, as well as a player signed to a minimum salary to close the financial gap.

Losing a first-round draft pick would hurt, but Lopez is a sharpshooting big who thrives as a rim protector. Furthermore, the Lakers are reportedly interested in honoring the well-documented request made by Anthony Davis to play more power forward.

This one is a bit tricker than the others, but compared to the asking price for the bigger names on the trade market, this would still cost Los Angeles an affordable amount.