4 Dream trade deadline targets for the Lakers (and what they'd cost)

3. Malcolm Brogdon

Among the most underrated ball handlers in the NBA is Malcolm Brogdon. The eighth-year veteran has once again been putting up solid numbers for the Portland Trail Blazers this season, and he has frequently been mentioned as a trade target for multiple teams.

Brogdon brings value as an offensive connector for any team he plays for. Between his 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons with Indiana, he averaged 20.1 points and 5.9 assists per game on greater than 45% shooting from the field. As a grizzled veteran of the league, Malcolm brings excellent decision-making and a mature approach every time he steps on the floor.

It is hard to say he would not provide a significant boost for the Lakers offensively. But interestingly enough, the organization does not seem to have him as high on their priority list as many fans would, with Jovan Buha of the The Athletic reporting that the team sees him as a "lateral move" from D'Angelo Russell.

While it is surprising that Lakers management views Brogdon in this way, he could still end up being one of their top realistic targets. According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the asking price for Malcolm would be "at least" a first-round pick.