The Los Angeles Lakers are not resting on their laurels and certainly not running it back next year. Darvin Ham is out as the head coach and some interesting names are floating around for the vacant position. At the same time, LeBron James has a $51,415,938 player option this summer but might reject it and sign a multi-year deal to remain with the Lakers into his 40s. Anthony Davis is still untouchable, and the organization is hell-bent on winning.
Luckily for the Lakers, there are three major plans they can go after this offseason. By leveraging their assets such as Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, and even their 2024 first-round pick, the Lakers can focus and decide to follow one of three plans.
Plan A
Lakers Finally Go All-In
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This plan revolves around the Lakers doing everything possible to acquire that third All-Star to form the best Big Three in the league. Zach LaVine could prove to be the most cost-effective move because it would probably require less negotiating than going after bonafide All-Stars Trae Young or Donovan Mitchell. The way the Lakers can acquire one of these stars is to have D’Angelo Russell reject his player option, sign a deal, and agree to a sign-and-trade. Players such as Austin Reaves, Gabe Vincent, and Jalen Hood-Schifino will be included along with the 2029 first-round pick.
LaVine could be a capable floor-spacer and excellent spot-up shooter, considering he averages over 38% from three over his career. Even if he only posted 19.5 points per game this season, LaVine can easily post over 20 points in the right system. The Bulls probably want to bring back assets and a package that includes a mix of Russell, Reaves, and a first-round pick could be more than suitable.
Trae Young would be another incredible option, but his presence would elevate the Lakers even more. Trae is an incredible passer and scorer, and a perfect lob partner for Anthony Davis. James will also completely trust Young to handle the ball and create plays for the team without risk of drop-off. Young averaged 25.7 points and 10.8 assists per game this season, and while his numbers might suffer in Los Angeles, he can have a chance to win an NBA title which he doesn’t have in Atlanta.
The biggest fish would obviously be Donovan Mitchell. Mitchell is on a tear right now in the playoffs, posting 50 points in Game 6 against the Orlando Magic followed by dropping 39 points in a Game 7 victory. Mitchell is one of the best scorers in the league and is only 27 years old so the sky’s the limit for him. If the Lakers want to create the best team in the NBA, they will throw everything at the Cavaliers to make this deal go through.
The Best Big Three In The NBA
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No matter which star the Lakers acquire, they will have the best Big Three in the NBA. James and Davis have the size and dominance but a guard would take them over the top. LaVine would be the most realistic acquisition, and he would immediately elevate the Lakers title chances as a floor-spacer, while Trae Young would be a dream target, considering he can carry an offense single-handedly.
Donovan Mitchell would be extremely difficult to acquire but if he forces a trade from the Cavaliers, he could make it clear he only wants to play with the Lakers with a chance to form a dynamic long-term duo with Anthony Davis once LeBron James retires.
Plan B
Lauri Markannen Is What The Lakers Need
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The first plan would be to strike a trade for Lauri Makkenan of the Utah Jazz by leveraging their 2024 First-Round Pick and some other assets to create a new Big Three.
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Lauri Markkanen
Utah Jazz Receive: Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, 2029 First-Round Pick
By acquiring Lauri Markkanen (23.2 PPG), the Lakers would address a critical need for floor spacing and additional scoring options alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Markkanen’s ability to stretch the floor as a proficient three-point shooter (39.9%) would open up driving lanes for LeBron and provide Davis with more room to operate in the paint.
Additionally, Markkanen’s rebounding prowess (8.2 RPG) adds another dimension to the Lakers’ frontcourt, bolstering their ability to control the boards and initiate fast breaks. While Markkanen may not be known for his shot-blocking, his size and defensive versatility can still provide valuable rim protection and disrupt opponents’ offensive schemes. By forming a Big Three with LeBron, Davis, and Markkanen, the Lakers would create a formidable trio capable of competing at the highest level and challenging for another championship.
This trade demonstrates the Lakers’ commitment to surrounding their star players with the necessary talent to contend for titles, while also providing Markkanen with an opportunity to thrive in a winning environment alongside two of the league’s premier talents.
Lakers Re-Sign D’Angelo Russell
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In order to make this plan work, the Lakers will need to retain starting point guard D’Angelo Russell even if his playoff performances have been somewhat under par. Russell will reject his $18.6 million player option and sign a three or four-year deal worth upwards of $100 million and could be a supporting player next to a new Big Three.
Russell averaged 18.0 points and 6.3 assists per game in the regular season, and even if his numbers dipped to 14.2 points and 4.2 assists in the playoffs, he will always be a threat to space the floor and knockdown shots. He shot 41.5% from three in the regular season and could help the Lakers capture a top-three seed in the West.
A New-Look Frontcourt
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The new-look frontcourt of the Lakers will be extremely dominant on both ends of the court. Markkanen is an excellent scorer but a capable shot-blocker which will make it hard for opponents to score on the team with Davis patrolling the middle. LeBron also gives the team plenty of size, reverting back to what made the Lakers dominant in the 2019-20 championship campaign.
Austin Reaves also slides into a strong role in the starting lineup alongside D’Angelo Russell and we are looking at one of the best starting lineups in the NBA. Having Rui Hachimura off the bench as a sixth man can prove to be a game-changer when it comes to depth, and the rest of the roster can be filled with capable free agents looking for team-friendly deals such as Spencer Dinwiddie or Andre Drummond.
Plan C
Lakers Take A Risk With Paul George
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The second plan for the Lakers is to engage their biggest rivals in a sign-and-trade for upcoming free agent Paul George to shake up the Western Conference.
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Paul George
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2029 First-Round Pick
Acquiring Paul George via a sign-and-trade with the Clippers would undoubtedly send shockwaves through the NBA landscape, particularly within the fiercely contested Western Conference. George has a $48,787,676 player option for the 2024-25 season, but he can reject it and sign a deal with the Clippers before agreeing to a sign-and-trade with the Lakers that nets the Clippers Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and two role players to pair with Kawhi Leonard.
George’s addition to the Lakers would bring a dynamic scoring threat (22.6 PPG) and defensive prowess (1.5 SPG) to their roster, further bolstering their championship aspirations. Playing alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, George would form a potent trio capable of overwhelming opponents on both ends of the floor. His ability to create his shot and stretch the defense with his perimeter shooting (41.3% 3-PT FG) would provide the Lakers with a versatile scoring option and alleviate some of the offensive burden on LeBron and Davis.
Moreover, George’s defense would significantly enhance the Lakers’ perimeter defense (23rd in the NBA by allowing 117.4 PPG), allowing them to disrupt opposing offenses and create transition opportunities. While the departure of young talents like Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura may be a steep price to pay for an injury-prone veteran, the opportunity to secure a proven All-Star like George could ultimately propel the Lakers to championship contention. This trade would not only strengthen the Lakers’ roster but also reshape the competitive landscape of the Western Conference, setting the stage for intense battles between the two Los Angeles teams for years to come.
Lakers Re-Sign D’Angelo Russell
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Similar to the 1st plan, the Los Angeles Lakers will keep D’Angelo Russell because of his floor-spacing and ability off the ball. He won’t get as many shots as he did this season, but that could be a good thing because he tends to have inconsistencies in bigger games. For a starting point guard, however, Russell is considered above-average.
The Lakers will need to fill out the rest of the roster with veteran minimum deals and mid-level exceptions with four players making the bulk of the money. If James returns on a salary of close to $50 million and Davis is on $43 million, targeting free agents such as Spencer Dinwiddie, Alec Burks, Gordon Hayward, and Andre Drummond to fill out the roster on team-friendly deals.
A Superteam Is Formed
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Paul George would create a superteam in Los Angeles. His injury history is very concerning, but there isn’t a better free agent on the market for the Lakers. George has played at least 65 games once since 2018-19, and it happened this season. Even if his numbers weren’t great in the playoffs, 19.5 points per game on 41.1% from the field, he could be a perfect third option for the Lakers.
He can play off the ball well, and also play well alongside D’Angelo Russell. James and Davis will handle the bulk of the offense and also the majority of the defensive attention, meaning George can have one of his most efficient seasons if he does join the Lakers. If the Clippers are sure they don’t want to bring the swingman back, there are worse options than bringing back Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura along with a first-round pick.
What Plan Is The Best For The Lakers?
The best and most realistic plan for the Lakers is focusing on acquiring Lauri Markkanen. The Utah Jazz might have made him available, and he fits well alongside James and Davis in terms of size, shooting, and defensive versatility. If they can acquire Markkanen and still keep key players such as Austin Reaves, they would be in a great spot to push for an NBA Finals appearance.
The dream scenario would be acquiring Trae Young or Donovan Mitchell. If the Lakers want to throw all their chips on the table and create the best Big Three in the NBA, they should focus on these two stars and build the team around veterans and minimum-level deals similar to what the Miami Heat did in 2012. The Lakers might engage in Plan A to try and create a superteam but if that fails, the Lauri Markkanan deal in Plan B could work best for the team to get where they need to be as LeBron James turns 40 years old next season.
