Lakers rumors: 3 Forgotten trade targets who could resurface in 2024-25

The Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to an abundance of potentially disgruntled All-Stars in recent trade rumors. From wings such as Brandon Ingram and Zach LaVine to point guards like Darius Garland and Trae Young, the Lakers seem to be connected to every star-caliber player eyeing the trade market.

Lost in the shuffle, however, is a list of players who may not be All-Stars, but could prove to be the missing piece for the Lakers in 2024-25.

The hunt for star-caliber players is one that Los Angeles has perpetually embraced throughout the franchise's existence. One of the uncomfortable truths facing the Lakers in 2024-25, however, is that the pursuit of big names has depleted the team of its resources.

Trades for the likes of Dennis Schröder and Russell Westbrook cost the team two first-round draft picks, and moving on from Westbrook required the team to part with another.

In recent months, the Lakers have seemingly shifted away from the big splashes and prioritized a more methodical approach to decision-making. It's prioritized players who come with a lower price point as far as opportunity cost is concerned—even if it hasn't pulled the trigger on a trade.

The question is: Which of the forgotten trade targets from past rumors could realistically fit the vision of what Los Angeles is hoping to accomplish in 2024-25?

Bruce Brown, Toronto Raptors

Bruce Brown will be one of the top players to watch ahead of the 2025 NBA trade deadline. He's owed an expiring $23 million and has helped a team win a championship as recently as the 2022-23 season with the Denver Nuggets.

Dave McMenamin of ESPN reported ahead of the 2024 NBA trade deadline that Brown was on the Lakers' radar, and it stands to reason that will be the case again in 2025.

There are multiple scenarios in which Brown could resurface as a trade option for the Lakers in 2024-25. The first is if the injury concerns persist with Gabe Vincent, as Los Angeles could attach second-round draft compensation to a swap with the Raptors—much as they did with Kendrick Nunn in the Rui Hachimura deal.

The other is if the decision is made that D'Angelo Russell is no longer a fit, with Brown being acquired as a perimeter player in the unorthodox lineup that the presence of LeBron James permits.

In either scenario, the Lakers would be getting a proven postseason performer and a truly unique player. Brown can defend multiple positions, crashes the offensive glass as well as almost any guard in the NBA, and can operate as something of a floater on either end of the floor.

The 2023-24 season was tough for Brown, but it wasn't all that long ago that he was the super-sub for the NBA champion Nuggets.

Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets

The biggest flaw that the Lakers must find a way to address in 2024-25 is the lack of consistency on defense. The hope is that Jarred Vanderbilt will remain healthy this coming season, thus providing Los Angeles with a potential defensive stopper along the perimeter.

If the Lakers determine that Vanderbilt isn't the answer, then revisiting the multi-year interest in Dorian Finney-Smith could be a serious option.

Jake Fischer of Yahoo! Sports reported ahead of the 2023 NBA Draft that the Lakers were interested in trading for Finney-Smith. Dave McMenamin of ESPN then reported the same in the buildup to the 2024 NBA trade deadline.

With Brooklyn seemingly going all-in on Cooper Flagg and the 2025 NBA Draft, it's feasible that it'd be open to trading Finney-Smith in what could be the final season of his current contract.

Finney-Smith is owed $14,924,167 for the 2024-25 season and has a player option worth $15,378,480 for the 2025-26 campaign. A versatile defender who has flirted with 40 percent shooting from beyond the arc when playing with superstar talent, there's certainly a market for him.

If the Nets decide that moving on from the 31-year-old Finney-Smith is the best option, then expect the Lakers' sustained interest to persist as they weigh their trade options near the deadline.

Collin Sexton, Utah Jazz

Arguably the most intriguing name mentioned early in the 2024 offseason, Utah Jazz point guard Collin Sexton represents a sustainable future. It's unclear if intrigue persists, as Jonathan Givony of ESPN reported the Lakers' interest ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft, but it's a captivating thought to consider.

With D'Angelo Russell entering the final season of his current contract and Los Angeles in need of a long-term answer at point guard, Sexton could be the affordable resolution.

Sexton finished the 2023-24 season with averages of 18.7 points, 4.9 assists, 2.6 rebounds, 0.8 steals, and 1.6 three-point field goals made in 26.6 minutes per game. That translates to All-Star level averages of 25.6 points, 6.6 assists, 3.6 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 2.2 threes made per 36 minutes.

In addition to producing at a remarkable level on a per-36 basis, Sexton maintained impressive efficiency with a slash line of .487/.394/.859.

The appeal is the fact that Sexton, 25, is owed $18,350,000 for the 2024-25 season and $19,175,000 in 2025-26. If the Lakers trust that he can avoid the injury bug, then they'd be landing a productive player on a team-friendly deal with multiple seasons left on their contract.

Utah may ultimately decide to invest in Sexton's upside itself, but if he becomes available for trade discussions, the Lakers should be viewed as a prime landing spot.