The clock is ticking and the Lakers have 24 hours left to find a playmaking, volume 3-point shooting, impact guard to replace LeBron James and a big rim protecting, athletic, shot blocking center to replace Anthony Davis.
The recent media take is the Lakers are willing to move some combination of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell, and Marc Gasol to find a playmaking, 3-point shooting guard to turbo charge their flailing offense. While their current position is they’re not willing to part with young Talen Horton-Tucker or their 2027 first round pick as part of any deal, it’s hard to see that preventing them from pulling the trigger on a promising trade.
The Lakers also seem committed to waiting for the buyout market after the trade deadline to sign Andre Drummond to protect the rim and stop the bleeding of opponent points in the paint that’s undermined their defense. The Cavs are almost certainly going to have to buyout Drummond and the opportunity to become the Lakers’ starting center and win a championship alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis make LA the heavy favorite.
So let’s take a closer look at the guards whom the Lakers may be targeting, how they would help solve the team’s current offensive woes, who are the major competitors, and what it might take for the Lakers to trade for them.
1. LONZO BALL
New Orleans Pelicans, PG, 23 yrs, 6′ 6,” 190 lbs
TYR$11,003,782, NYR $14,359,936 QO
14.2/4.2/5.6, 42.5/38.5/76.7%, 7.8 3PA
Lonzo is perfect point guard for the Lakers without or with LeBron. Adds playmaking and volume 3-point shooting. KCP is better option than Bledsoe or Redick at shooting guard and brings defense for 28th ranked Pelicans. If needed, Lakers should be willing to include THT or 2027 first round pick.
2. VICTOR OLADIPO
Houston Rockets, SG, 28 yes, 6′ 4,” 210 lbs
TYR $21,000,000
20.8/5.0/4.7, 41.1/33.3/76.7%, 7.7 3PA
Victor would be a great fit on both ends of court short and long term for Lakers if healthy. Playmaker, volume 3-point shooter, and elite defender. KCP is able replacement at the two and Rockets have cap space to re-sign Trezz. Trading for Oladipo is a gamble but could get coveted third superstar.
3. TERRY ROZIER
Charlotte Hornets, 27 yrs, SG, 6′ 1,” 190 lbs
TYR $18,900,000, NYR $17,905,263
20.2/3.8/3.3, 47.3/41.8/84.7%, 7.9 3PA
Terry would give the Lakers a playmaking, high scoring, high volume 3-point shooting guard they need to pair with Schroder. Harrell would give the Hornets the front court scorer they need and KCP an able replacement for Rozier. Trade could be expanded to include centers Gasol and Biyombo.
4. MALCOLM BROGDON
Indiana Pacers, 28 yrs, PG, 6′ 5,” 229 lbs
TYR $20,700,000, YR2 $21,700,000, YR3 $22,600,000
21.6/4.7/6.1, 46.0/39.8/87.7%, 6.5 3PA
Brogdon would be a terrific fit on the Lakers for the season and the playoffs. Excellent playmaker, volume 3-point shooter, and defender. KCP would be a good 3&D addition to the Pacers and Harrell the scoring backup to Sabonis and Turner they need. Lakers take advantage of Pacers cutting payroll.
5. KYLE LOWRY
Toronto Raptors, 34 yrs, 6′ 0,” 196 lbs
TYR $30,500,000
17.6/5.6/7.4, 43.8/39.1/88.4%, 7.2 3PA
Lowry would be the perfect point guard for the Lakers. True point guard who’s also a volume 3-point shooter, team leader, and proven defender. Raptors get young point guard replacement in Schroder, elite backup in Harrell, dump Baynes for return of Gasol, and quality guard depth in KCP.
Problem with writing an article with just 24 hours left until the trade deadline is it’s like you’re in an earthquake and things are changing almost as fast as you can write.
Now seems Lakers are in the Lowry sweepstakes and are willing to trade Schroder rather than look to re-sign him for $25 million per year for 4 years. The right package for Lowry is Dennis, KCP, Trezz, and Marc. Laker also get Baynes as a bonus.
This trade makes great sense for both teams. Lakers get the elite true volume 3-point shooting point guard they need to replace Schroder and Bird rights to re-sign him next season, a backup center who’s a potential volume stretch five in Baynes to replace Harrell, whom might be a poor fit in the playoffs and whom they would lose to free agency this summer for sure, an open spot for Damian Jones to return on a minimum contract by moving Gasol, and a spot to sign Isaiah Thomas by trading KCP, who no longer was good enough to be a starter.
Raps get a younger point guard in Schroder, replace Baynes with Gasol who can mentor Boucher, a great backup center who can score in Harrell and whom they have the cap space next summer to re-sign, and a championship proven 3&D guard in KCP. Win-win for both teams. Would love to see it. The only question is will the Raptors demand THT or our 2027 pick to be included?
Trade for Lowry and sign Drummond and you get…
PG; LOWRY, THT, Thomas
SG; KUZMA, CARUSO, Matthews
SF: JAMES, McKinnie
PF: DAVIS, MORRIS, Dudley
CE: DRUMMOND, BAYNES, Jones
That’s a great starting lineup and 9 man (ALL CAPS) playoff rotation.
https://twitter.com/LakerTom/status/1374817568448344066
Kyle Lowry turns 35 tomorrow. One thing to note is he is still playing at a championship level.
Averaging 17.6/5.6/7.4 – all better than career averages
Shooting 43.8/39.1/88.4% – all better than career averages
Taking 7.2 3PA per game – also higher than career average.
Heat’s offer for Lowry is Goran Dragic, Avery Bradley, and Duncan Robinson. Lakers could easily better than offer with Dennis Schroder, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Montrezl Harrell.
Nope.
GO BIG OR GO HOME! That’s where Lakers are at right now.
I’ve looked at what is being proposed by the 76ers and Heat and the Lakers can certainly beat those offers if they want. Bottom line, it’s up to Rob Pelinka to complete this trade and set the Lakers up for a three-peat and LeBron’s fifth and six rings and team’s 18th and 19th championships.
I’m not with ya LT on giving up too much for Lowery. Not sure why you want to rid of Harrell? He plays harder and better than anyone on the team, besides LBJ.
With you there. Old guards are risky. And why trade for Dennis if you’re going to dump him for a rental? And doesn’t Jeanie’s hug count?