3 Underrated up-and-comers Lakers should trade for ahead of 2024-25 season
Day'Ron Sharpe, Brooklyn Nets
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick spoke candidly about wanting to add a big, bruising center to the roster. Standing at 6'9" and 265 pounds with a 7'0" wingspan, Day'Ron Sharpe has the potential to occupy that role alongside Lakers superstar Anthony Davis.
It looked like Sharpe could've taken a step forward with the Brooklyn Nets in 2024-25, but Nic Claxton re-signing at four years and $97 million firmly establishes who the starter will be.
Sharpe set career-best averages across the board in 2023-24 at 6.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.6 offensive boards, 1.4 assists, and 0.7 blocks in just 15.1 minutes per game. Those figures translate to 16.2 points, 15.2 rebounds, 6.3 offensive boards, 3.3 assists, and 1.7 blocks per 36 minutes.
With power, rebounding prowess, defensive upside, and even the ability to create for others within the flow of the offense, Sharpe could be the perfect low-cost acquisition.
In 2023-24, the Lakers ranked dead last in offensive rebounding and second-chance points. Sharpe provides an instant answer on that front with a history of steady production to prove that he can create opportunities on the glass on a nightly basis.
Likely to be affordable given his limited playing time with the Nets, Sharpe could make the move to Los Angeles and prove how much untapped potential there is to explore.