As the Los Angeles Lakers navigate the trade market, most appear to believe that the answer to their roster questions is a proven commodity. Acquiring a player who has performed at a star-caliber level certainly has its benefits, especially with Anthony Davis and LeBron James already in the mix.
With limited assets to trade and a need to build for the future, however, there may be a better option to consider: A deal for an underrated up-and-comer who can be acquired at a more reasonable price.
Adding a big name in their prime typically requires a team to give up multiple first-round draft picks and several of its more valuable players. The latter compulsion is often a simple result of two teams attempting to match salaries, and the incoming talent playing on a lucrative contract.
For the Lakers, that could mean having to part with a combination of players who help provide the limited amount of depth that Davis and James are presently surrounded with.
By attempting to sign a player who's less established, but flush with potential, the Lakers could get a trade done without losing essential pieces. It may require draft capital, yes, but generally speaking, the outgoing assets with immediate value would be limited.
If the task at hand is parting with draft capital for a talented player, then going all-in on someone with upside to explore is the far more ideal outcome—and these three options are well worth considering.