Marcus Sasser, Detroit Pistons
This is a long shot, as Marcus Sasser was drafted in 2023 and began to showcase his explosive scoring ability near the end of his rookie season. Detroit recently signed Cade Cunningham to a five-year extension worth upwards of $224 million, however, and Jaden Ivey will be a free agent in 2026.
If the Pistons plan to prioritize re-signing Ivey over developing Sasser, then the door could be opened for the Lakers to acquire one of the most intriguing up-and-comers in the Eastern Conference.
Sasser will turn 24 ahead of the 2024-25 season, which is why some remain skeptical about his upside as an older-than-average second-year player. As a 6'2" and 195-pound point guard with a 6'7" wingspan and a dynamic skill set, however, it's far too soon to write his potential off.
As a rookie, Sasser averaged 8.3 points, 3.3 assists, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.3 three-point field goals made on .428/.375/.879 shooting in just 19.0 minutes per game.
Averaging 15.6 points, 6.3 assists, and 2.4 three-point field goals made per 36 minutes as a rookie is impressive enough. Producing seven 20-point games, including six after the New Year, and shooting 36.2 percent on catch-and-shoot 3s and 37.7 percent on pull-ups, offers a different level of intrigue.
Sasser is a shining example of untapped potential, and the Lakers would be wise to at least kick the tires and see what the asking price would be for a potentially elite shooter and creative scoring option.