The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in a precarious position after falling 4-1 in the first round of the playoffs against Denver. The situation is dire, and the whispers about the future grow louder. LeBron James, set to be a free agent this summer, might just be eyeing an exit to a team that drafts his son, Bronny James, in the upcoming NBA draft. This potential move would not only shake the foundation of the Lakers but also leave them in a weakened state to compete in the coming seasons.

In such a scenario, a full-scale rebuild might be the most pragmatic approach for the storied franchise. Central to this rebuild would be the future of Anthony Davis, the other superstar on the team. Trading Davis could fetch a significant return that helps lay down the foundation for a new era. As difficult as it might be to envision the Lakers without their dynamic duo, let’s explore five potential trades that could make sense if the Lakers decide to turn the page and rebuild.

The Cavaliers Get Stronger With Two Superstars

The Cleveland Cavaliers have made considerable strides this season, securing the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference, largely thanks to the impressive play of Donovan Mitchell. However, Mitchell’s future with the team seems uncertain as he approaches the final year of his contract next summer. Acquiring Anthony Davis could change the narrative dramatically, enticing Mitchell to re-sign while significantly boosting the Cavaliers’ competitive edge.

Cavaliers Receive: Anthony Davis

Lakers Receive: Evan Mobley, Max Strus, Isaac Okoro, Georges Niang, 2025 second-round pick, 2026 second-round pick, 2028 second-round pick

For the Los Angeles Lakers, this trade marks a strategic pivot towards a comprehensive rebuild, focusing on youth and future assets. Evan Mobley, the centerpiece of this package, is a young star in the making. In his season, Mobley has averaged 15.7 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, showcasing his potential as a future franchise cornerstone. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor aligns perfectly with the Lakers’ needs for a versatile and dominant big man as they restructure the team.

Isaac Okoro adds a different dimension to the Lakers. Averaging 9.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists, Okoro brings defensive prowess and developing offensive skills that could flourish with increased responsibility and playing time. His inclusion in the trade offers the Lakers a solid wing defender who can guard multiple positions.

Max Strus and Georges Niang, while not stars are valuable role players who can contribute immediately. Strus is known for his sharpshooting, a critical need for any team looking to spread the floor, and Niang’s ability to hit from deep provides additional spacing, which is crucial for the Lakers’ offensive setups.

The inclusion of second-round picks in 2025, 2026, and 2028, though not as high-value as first-round picks, still adds to the Lakers’ pool of assets. These picks could be used in future trades or to draft developmental players who might turn into valuable contributors.

Overall, this trade allows the Lakers to accumulate young talents and picks which are essential for a rebuild, while providing the Cavaliers with a superstar in Anthony Davis to pair with Donovan Mitchell, potentially creating a formidable duo in the East. The Lakers’ focus shifts towards developing young talent and planning for a future where they can once again compete at the highest levels of the NBA.

A Game-Changing Trade For The Miami Heat

The Miami Heat have once again found themselves finishing lower in the playoff rankings than expected, facing a tough matchup against Boston Celtics in the first round, and losing 4-1 without any real chance of beating them. With ambitions of being a top contender in the Eastern Conference, Miami is setting its sights on a blockbuster trade in the offseason to reshape their roster and dominate the East.

Heat Receive: Anthony Davis

Lakers Receive: Tyler Herro, Nikola Jovic, Jaime Jáquez Jr., 2030 first-round pick

This trade proposal could play a pivotal role in the Lakers’ strategic rebuild, injecting both talent and future assets into the franchise. Tyler Herro has proven himself as a prolific scorer and a crucial player off the bench, boasting an average of 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. His ability to score from anywhere on the court makes him a valuable asset for the Lakers, providing them with a reliable scoring option as they navigate through their rebuilding phase. Herro could potentially step into a starting role and become a central figure in the Lakers’ offense.

Although still developing, Nikola Jovic shows promise with averages of 7.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. His versatility as a forward who can handle the ball, shoot from the perimeter, and contribute in various facets of the game fits well with the modern NBA’s direction. For the Lakers, Jovic represents a developmental project with high upside, which could be beneficial in the long run.

Jaime Jáquez Jr. is an intriguing prospect, especially with his recent performance averaging 11.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in his rookie season. His tenacity and energy on both ends of the floor make him a valuable addition. Jáquez could thrive in a larger role with the Lakers, providing hustle, perimeter defense, and an improving offensive game.

Looking this far into the future, a 2030 draft pick could become a significant asset. It gives the Lakers an additional tool for their rebuild, whether they choose to use the pick in the draft or as a trade asset to acquire more immediate help or additional future assets.

For the Lakers, this trade signifies a commitment to rebuilding with a focus on young talent and future assets. Herro, Jovic, and Jáquez offer a blend of immediate impact and potential growth, which could set the foundation for a competitive team in the years to come.

Oklahoma City Adds Another Paint Presence

The Oklahoma City Thunder have been the surprise package this season, securing the top seed in the Western Conference, much to everyone’s astonishment. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander performing like an MVP contender and Chet Holmgren showing up as one of the standout rookies, OKC seems pretty set. Yet, there’s a general feeling they’re just one key player short of real championship contention. Adding Anthony Davis to the mix to team up with Holmgren? Now, that could be a game-changer.

Thunder Receive: Anthony Davis

Lakers Receive: Josh Giddey, Lu Dort, 2025 first-round pick (Rockets), 2027 first-round pick (Clippers), 2028 first-round pick (Mavs), 2030 first-round pick

This deal looks like a strategic reset for the Lakers, focusing on youth and future potential. Known for his playmaking, Josh Giddey is showing signs of becoming a significant player in the league. If he develops his scoring, the Lakers could have a future star on their hands. Meanwhile, Lu Dort brings a defensive intensity that’s invaluable. While his offensive game is still developing, his ability to handle tough defensive assignments is something the Lakers can really use.

The draft picks, especially the 2025 first-rounder from Houston, offer the Lakers multiple pathways. They can either use these picks to draft young talent or as assets in trades to accelerate their rebuild. This trade could set the Lakers on a path to a promising rebuild, focusing not just on clearing cap space but on gathering assets that could turn into key players. With young talents like Giddey and Dort and a handful of potentially high-value picks, the Lakers are positioning themselves for an exciting future.

The Bulls Become Competitive Again

The Chicago Bulls have struggled to find success despite having a roster filled with All-Star talent in recent years. In a bold offseason move, they plan to renew DeMar DeRozan’s contract and aim to pair him with Anthony Davis, creating a formidable frontcourt alongside Nikola Vucevic. This setup could leverage Davis’s versatility and Vucevic’s inside-outside threat to revitalize the Bulls’ competitiveness.

Bulls Receive: Anthony Davis

Lakers Receive: Zach LaVine, Patrick Williams, 2027 first-round pick, 2029 first-round pick

This trade marks a strategic shift for the Lakers, who seem to be focusing on adding proven talent while still keeping an eye on future assets. Zach LaVine brings high-caliber scoring ability to the Lakers, averaging 19.5 points along with 5.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists. His athletic prowess and ability to score from anywhere on the court would instantly inject firepower into the Lakers’ lineup. LaVine’s experience as a primary offensive option would be invaluable for a Lakers team looking to remain competitive during their rebuild.

Although younger and less proven than LaVine, Patrick Williams shows a lot of promise. With averages of 10.0 points and 3.9 rebounds, he offers the Lakers a versatile forward who can contribute on both ends of the floor. Williams is still developing, and in a larger role with the Lakers, he could evolve into a significant two-way player.

The inclusion of first-round picks in 2027 and 2029 provides the Lakers with long-term assets that could be used to draft future talent or as trade currency to acquire more immediate help. These picks help ensure that the Lakers can continue to add young talent as their rebuild progresses.

Overall, this trade provides the Lakers with an interesting mix of current talent and future potential. LaVine could serve as a new focal point for the team, offering high-level production right away, while Williams presents a developmental upside. The draft picks add a crucial layer of flexibility for the Lakers, allowing them to shape their future roster according to the evolving dynamics of the NBA.

The Rockets Accelerate The Rebuild

The Houston Rockets, finishing 11th in the Western Conference, are looking to make a significant splash in the offseason. Their plan? To pair Alperen Sengun, their rising star and the future face of the franchise, with Anthony Davis, creating a formidable duo in the frontcourt.

Rockets Receive: Anthony Davis

Lakers Receive: Jabari Smith, Amen Thompson, Steven Adams, 2026 first-round pick (Nets), 2028 first-round pick

With this trade, the Lakers are clearly pivoting towards a rebuild centered around youth and future draft assets, while also acquiring a veteran presence. Jabari Smith shows significant promise as a versatile forward, contributing 13.7 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting while also being a force on the boards makes him a valuable asset for the Lakers’ future plans. His youth and potential allow the Lakers to develop him as a cornerstone of their rebuilding effort.

Amen Thompson, a dynamic player known for his athleticism and rebounding, averages 9.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. His versatility and potential as a two-way player could see him becoming an integral part of the Lakers’ core. With proper development, Thompson has the tools to be a significant contributor on both ends of the floor.

Although Adams was sidelined with injuries throughout the season, his track record as a robust and effective center in the NBA cannot be ignored. Once healthy, he could provide the Lakers with much-needed experience and a physical presence in the paint, mentoring younger players while contributing solid minutes.

With the draft capital, a 2026 first-round pick from the Nets and the 2028 first-round pick add considerable value, giving the Lakers flexibility to either draft young talent or trade the picks for more immediate help as they shape their roster for the future.