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Jonathan isaac

4 ‘Affordable’ Stars Who Could Be Superstars On Los Angeles Lakers

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Rather than chasing older max-contract third superstars, the Los Angeles Lakers would be wise to target younger, more affordable, two-way stars with the upside to become superstars with bigger roles on a better team.

Targeting a player in their mid-twenties earning less than $25 million per year will cost major draft capital but leave the Lakers with the matching salaries and space below second tax apron to build a deep, diverse roster. The new CBA with its second luxury tax apron and new unprecedented financial and competitive penalties has made it almost impossible to build championship caliber rosters if paying max salaries to three superstars.

The Lakers have refused in the past to trade first round picks for elite role players like Myles Turner and Dejounte Murray, preferring instead to save those picks to trade for superstars like Anthony Davis or Russell Westbrook.
The time’s now come for the Lakers to change that strategy. They learned firsthand how trading first round draft picks for elite role players instead of superstars has transformed Celtics, Nuggets, and Mavs into contenders.

The Lakers must see that the NBA is undergoing a changing of the guard with younger stars and teams taking over from older stars and teams and an evolution of the game where size, length, and athleticism dominate.
The Lakers need a roster building strategy that targets rising stars who could function as the team’s third star for the next two or three years and take over as AD’s co-superstar when LeBron James retires from the league.

The Los Angeles Lakers portfolio of available trading chips is their best in years and includes their 2024, 2029, and 2031 first round draft picks, 2026, 2028, and 2030 first round pick swaps, and five second round draft picks.
Ideally, the Lakers would keep the #17 pick in the draft for a backup center and then use draft capital to trade for two of these four young affordable two-way prospects without giving up Austin Reaves or Max Christie.

Here are four affordable young two-way stars with superstar upside who are 26 or 27 years old, earn between $17 to $25 million per year, and are available for right trade package of matching salaries and draft capital.

1. Lauri Markkanen

Lauri Markkanen, PF, 7′ 0″, 240 lbs, 27-years old, 1-yr @ $18.0M
23.2/8.2/2.0 on 16.2/8.0/5.0 shooting 48.0/39.9/89.9% in 33.1 mpg

27-year old Lauri Markkanen should be at the top of the Lakers’ offseason trade target board as he is the perfect third superstar to complement James and Davis and pair with Davis when James retires in two or three years.

Markannen’s elite size, length, athleticism, and volume 3-point shooting would transform the Lakers’ starting lineup and half-court offense into a juggernaut. He shot a sizzling 39.9% from deep on 8.0 attempts per game.
Besides giving the Lakers a desperately needed volume 3-point shooter, Markkanen also enables L.A. to double down on dominating points-in-the-paint and free-throws-made while becoming competitive on 3-pointers.

Reports indicate the Jazz are likely looking to trade rather than re-sign the 27-year old Markkanen provided they get a significant offer for the Finnish star. Lauri’s in the final year of his contract and will be due for a big raise.
The offer to get the Jazz to trade Markkanen to the Lakers would include Rui Hachimura, unprotected 2029 first round pick, unprotected 2028 first round pick swap, and remove 1–4 protection from 2027 first round pick.

This trade would essentially give Danny Ainge and the Utah Jazz 3 straight years of totally unprotected rights to the Los Angeles Lakers’ post LeBron James first round draft picks for the 2027, 2028, and 2029 NBA seasons.
Hopefully, that’s the kind of offer that could motivate Danny Ainge to trade Lauri Markkanen to the Lakers. It leverages the top-four protected 2027 first round draft pick Los Angeles previously traded to Utah last year.

The Lakers top offseason trade target should be the Utah Jazz’ Lauri Markkanen, whom would immediately and dramatically upgrade our starting lineup and roster to legitimate championship caliber.

2. DeJounte Murray

Dejounte Murray, SG, 6′ 5″, 180 lbs, 26-years old, 1-yrs @ $17.4M NG
22.5/5.3/6.4 on 18.8/7.1/3.4 shooting 45.9/36.3/79.4% in 35.7 mpg

26-year old combo guard Dejounte Murray should be second on the Lakers’ offseason trade target big board as he is the perfect two-way third star to upgrade the team’s backcourt and complement superstars James and Davis.

While the Lakers had an interest in trading for Dejounte Murray last season, they were unwilling to include draft picks as compensation. In retrospect, Dejounte enjoyed a clutch breakout season with the Hawks.
Murray showcased his two-way skillsets last season, averaging over 20 points, 5 boards, and 5 assists per game while sharing backcourt duties with Young and shooting 36.3% from deep on 7.1 attempts per game.

The pairing of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray has not worked for the Hawks. Recent reports indicate the Hawks are likely to keep Trae Young and their #1 pick in the upcoming NBA draft and trade Dejounte Murray.
That’s great news for the Lakers. Trading for Dejounte, who makes $25.4 million per year, would let them build a deeper, more diverse roster than trading for Trae, whose $43.0 million annual salary would hobble them.

The Lakers know Russell and Reaves are not good enough defensively to succeed as a championship backcourt but both are still valuable rotation players who would be hard to replace. The smarter move is keep both.
If the Lakers can trade for Dejounte Murray, they should pair him with D’Angelo Russell while moving Austin Reaves to the bench. The Lakers would then have the elite volume 3-point shooting backcourt they need.

The Lakers should send Hachimura, Hood-Schifino, unprotected 2031 first round pick, and 2030 first round pick swap to the Hawks for Dejounte Murray to become their third star next to superstars James and Davis.

3. Jonathan Isaac

Jonathan Isaac, PF, 6′ 10″, 230 lbs, 26-years old, 1-yrs @ $17.4M NG
6.8/4.5/0.5 on 4.9/1.9/1.4 shooting 51.0/37.5/77.1% in 15.8 mpg

26-year old Jonathan Isaac is the ‘wild card’ on the Lakers offseason trade target big board. Unlike Markkanen and Murray, Jonathan Isaac has such a rough injury history he should be easily acquired with the right offer.

While health makes Isaac’s floor dangerously low, Jonathan has such a high ceiling and is such a perfect fit next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis that the Lakers should seriously consider trading with Orlando to get him.
Isaac is without question the best two-way player of the four candidates. Defensively, he is the closest thing to an Anthony Davis clone you can find. He can protect the rim and defend all five positions at all three levels.

What makes the Boston Celtics so tough is that they have five guys on offense who can shoot the three and five guys on defense who can switch everything. This is the ultimate extension of positionless basketball.
While the Lakers would need assurances from their medical staff that Isaac is fully recovered, he is the kind of young, affordable two-way star who can stretch the floor, protect the rim, and switch out on the perimeter.

Orlando is so stacked with talent that there may no longer be a place for the now healthy and uber talented Jonathan Isaac despite the Magic sticking with him through three complete straight seasons lost to major injuries.
The $17.4 million final year salary of Isaac’s contract is not guaranteed. The Lakers should offer a package of Rui Hachimura and a top-four protected 2029 first round draft pick to the Magic for the 26-year old Jonathan Isaac.

Jonathan Isaac is the ‘wild card’ option among these four young affordable stars who could become superstars on Lakers as he has a lower floor but a higher ceiling and may be more attainable than Markkanen or Murray.

4. Mikal Bridges

Mikal Bridges, SF, 6′ 6″, 209 lbs, 27-years old, 2-yrs @ $23.3M
19.6/4.5/3.6 on 15.8/7.2/3.9 shooting 43.6/37.2/81.4% in 34.8 mpg

Mikal Bridges is the last and probably the hardest of the four affordable young stars for the Lakers to trade for. Recent rumors indicate that the Nets may prefer to keep Bridges and find a second star to pair with him.

The prototype 3&D wing that every NBA team covets, Bridges will likely draw more interest than even Markannen and Murray and will certainly require multiple picks and swaps for a team to pry him away from Nets.
Bridges is a long shot for the Lakers. His greatest advantage is he is a true small forward, which would mean Anthony Davis would play center while LeBron James would be able to play his preferred power forward position.

The Lakers desperately need a bigger point-of-attack defender who can guard the 6′ 7″ to 6′ 10″ wing scorers every team in the West seems to have. Lakers need to stop trying to defend these scorers with smaller guards.
Lakers fans are tired of watching bigger wing scorers taking smaller Lakers shooting guards into the paint and easily shooting over them with easy midrange jump shots. That’s why the Lakers need somebody like Bridges.

One of the major decisions the Lakers need to make when rebuilding their starting lineup going forward is who plays power forward. If the Lakers opt to start two-bigs, then Davis or the second big will play power forward.
The problem with that scenario is that it forces LeBron James to play small forward, which often involves chasing bigger wing scorers around multiple screens and picks, not what you want your 40-year old superstar doing.

Mikal Bridges would be a great fit as the Lakers starting small forward as he would allow Anthony Davis and LeBron James to play the 5 and 4 though they’re still a longshot to trade for him due to heavy competition.

5 Bold, Savvy Moves To Transform Lakers From Chumps To Champs!

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Listening to LeBron James and JJ Redick rave about how two superstars and a deep and diverse roster of elite roleplayers who are stars in their own roles is the blueprint to win an NBA championship is music to my ears.

Hearing that your 39-year old superstar and 39-year old future head coach are in complete agreement about the best balance between superstars and elite roleplayers when it comes to winning championships is great news.
While the Lakers need to acquire a replacement for LeBron James at some point in time, it’s reassuring that James and Redick are fans of the two-superstars-and-deep-roster model rather than the three-superstars model.

While their front office believes the team underperformed due to injuries and the coaching situation, it’s obvious the Lakers are two or three players away from being able to compete with the four remaining playoff teams.
The Lakers desperately need a legitimate point-of-attack guard who can hound opposing ball handlers, bigger wing who can drain threes and guard scorers, and backup center who can stretch the court and protect the rim.

Realistically, it’s nearly impossible under the current CBA for an NBA team to pay maximum salaries to three superstars and still be able to build a starting lineup and roster deep and diverse enough to win a championship.
While they’ll still chase superstars like Donovan Mitchell and Dejounte Murray, the Lakers would be wiser to use their trade assets for a legit POA guard, bigger 3&D wing, and backup center instead of third superstar.

Here are the five bold and savvy moves the Los Angeles Lakers should make this summer to upgrade their starting lineup, expand defensive depth and diversity, and transform the team from chumps to champs.

1. Hire JJ Redick

The first bold and savvy move the Lakers need to make this summer to transform themselves from chumps to champs is to shoot for the moon and hire inexperienced 39-year old JJ Redick to be the team’s next head coach.

Frankly, the Lakers have all but officially committed to Redick as their next head coach. It would be hard at this point not to hire JJ after publicly saying they’re looking for a superstar coach and then comparing Redick to Riley.
While Pelinka’s job has up to now been protected by Kobe Bryant’s ghost, Rob knows this will likely be his last attempt as general manager to find a long-term head coach who could recreate the success of Riley and Jackson.

Rob Pelinka knows his future and legacy as GM will depend on whom he chooses to be the Lakers’ next head coach. the Lakers desperately need coaching stability after firing three straight coaches over the last 7 years.
They need a superstar coach, a Steve Kerr or Eric Spoelstra, Pat Riley or Phil Jackson, a generational head coach with a transformational vision that values thinking outside-the box and building a championship culture.

The NBA is in the midst of a major transition of best the stars and teams. Bottom line, the Lakers clearly need to modernize their approach to the game, get bigger, longer, more athletic, and shoot a lot more threes.
The good news is the Lakers know how important it is to find the team’s next Pat Riley or Phil Jackson. They’ve also committed to spend whatever’s necessary to provide JJ Redick with an elite experienced coaching staff.

The Lakers desperately need a smart, young, visionary head coach like JJ Redick who can help recreate the winning identity and culture of the Riley and Jackson reigns and catapult L.A. into another championship dynasty.

2. Re-Sign D’Angelo Russell

The second bold and savvy move the Lakers should make this offseason to transform themselves into legitimate contenders is re-sign D’Angelo Russell as their starting point guard as he is simply too valuable to lose for nothing.

Even if there were an available replacement, the last thing L.A. needs right now is to add new starting point guard to a list of roster needs that already includes POA defensive guard, big 3&D wing, and stretch backup center.
Frankly, short of trading for Trae Young, there are no reasonable available upgrades for D’Angelo Russell, which means the Lakers need to seriously consider re-signing DLO and strengthening the starting lineup around him.

Next to hiring a new head coach, deciding what to do with D’Angelo Russell is the Lakers second biggest offseason decision. The reality is that DLO was a major reason why the Lakers finished the regular season on a great run.
Russell essentially transformed himself midseason into the high volume, high percentage 3-point shooter that the Lakers have desperately needed the last three years and that’s an asset you can’t let walk away for nothing.

The ideal solution for the Lakers would be for D’Angelo Russell to accept his $18.7 million player option for the coming season and sign a new 3-year contract starting at $20 million per season with a 3rd year player option.
That would give DLO the long-term security he desires while allowing the Lakers to avoid losing him for nothing to free agency. It would also be a smart investment in a talented young player who is still just 28-years old.

The Lakers need to realize how valuable DLO’s volume 3-point shooting and elite playmaking are and that it would be wiser to re-sign him, surround him with better starters, and groom him to become an even better player.

3. Trade For Marcus Smart

The third bold and savvy offseason move the Lakers need to make is trade for 30-year old shooting guard Marcus Smart to become the point-of-attack perimeter defender and ideal backcourt complement for D’Angelo Russell.

As the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year and a 3-time All-Defensive First Team winner, Marcus Smart would be the perfect point-of-attack alpha dog perimeter defender to pair with offense first point guard D’Angelo Russell.
Smart would give the Lakers the lock-down defender they need to guard the high scoring guards in the West like Devin Booker, Steph Curry, Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic, Anthony Edwards, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

An elite point-of-attack guard is one of the Lakers’ greatest needs heading into next season and a critical one if L.A. wants to retain D’Angelo Russell’s high volume, high percentage 3-point shooting and top-flight playmaking.
A backcourt of D’Angelo Russell and Marcus Smart would give the Lakers a dynamic and diverse duo with outstanding size, length, and athleticism who can shoot, defend, rebound, and playmake at a championship level.

The Memphis Grizzlies gave up backup point guard Tyus Jones, recently drafted rookie Marcus Sasser, and a future first round pick to acquire Marcus Smart from the Boston Celtics in a 3-team trade last summer.
Trading for Smart will cost the Lakers valuable draft capital in the form of their unprotected 2029 first round pick, unprotected 2030 first round pick swap, and matching salaries of Vincent, Reddish, and Hood-Schifino.

Marcus Smart would give the Lakers the elite defensive stopper needed to be a legit championship contender and the perfect backcourt mate needed complement and support elite offense-first point guard D’Angelo Russell.

4. Trade For Jonathan Isaac

The fourth bold and savvy move the Los Angeles Lakers need to make this summer is trading for mercurial 26-year old Magic forward Jonathan Isaac who would become the team’s bigger 3&D forward to guard wing scorers.

At 6′ 10″ and 230 lbs, Jonathan Isaac has the elite physical size, length, and athleticism to play all three front court positions. Ideally, he would start at the three so LeBron James could play the four and Anthony Davis the five.
Like Rui Hachimura, Isaac is an elite offensive player who can stretch the court with his 3-point shooting. Unlike Rui, Jonathan is also an elite shot blocker, rebounder, and individual defender who can guard all 5 positions.

The beauty of the Lakers acquiring Jonathan Isaac is the offensive and defensive versatility he brings to L.A.’s starting lineup. He legitimately has the potential to become the Lakers’ third superstar and replace LeBron.
But trading for Isaac would be a huge gamble since he only played in 11 games in three seasons before getting healthy and playing in 58 games this season. The lure is he’s still only 26 and now appears to be fully healthy.

The Magic have a tough decision to make this summer as Isaac has a non-guaranteed contract for $17.4 million for next season. Considering his horrible injury history, Jonathan’s stint with Orlando could well be over.
Orlando desperately needs 3-point shooters and Los Angeles’ trade offer of Hachimura and their 2031 unprotected first round pick could be enough to motivate the Magic to guarantee Isaac and trade him to the Lakers.

In many ways, Jonathan Isaac is maybe the closest thing to a clone of Anthony Davis the Lakers could find anywhere in the league. He’s the perfect front court complement for LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

5. Draft Kyle Filipowski

The fifth bold, savvy move the Lakers should make this summer is draft 20-year Kyle Filipowski, who can stretch the floor with his 3-point shooting and protect the rim with his shot blocking, to become their backup center.

After struggling during his freshman year, Filipowski enjoyed a better sophomore year at Duke, averaging an improved 16.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, 1.5 blocks, and 1.2 steals in 30.4 minutes per game.
At 7′ 0″ and 250 lbs, Filipowski is an excellent modern two-way center who can contribute to winning at both ends of the court. What separates Kyle from other college center prospects is his elite 3-point shooting stroke.

With a dramatically improved starting lineup of D’Angelo Russell, Marcus Smart, Jonathan Isaac, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis, Kyle Filipowski is the last piece of creating a bench that can backup every starting position.
The Lakers backups would include Austin Reaves at the one, Max Christie at the two, Jarred Vanderbilt at the three, Christian Wood at the four, and Kyle Filipowski at the five. That’s a very deep and diverse 10-man rotation.

The Lakers were smart to use draft capital for a new POA starting guard in Marcus Smart, new starting bigger 3&D wing defender in Jonathan Smart, and new modern backup center in Kyle Filipowski rather than a third star.
Financially, looking to upgrade the starting lineup rather than pursuing a third superstar gives the Lakers far more cap flexibility and options to build a legitimate championship roster than if they opted for three superstars.

Drafting Kyle Filipowski with the #17 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft is the Lakers’ best opportunity to find a quality big man who can be a dangerous 3-point shooter and elite rim protector when Anthony Davis rests.

How Lakers Acquire Third Superstar, POA guard, & Modern NBA Center

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The challenge for the Los Angeles Lakers this summer will be how to add the third superstar, elite perimeter defender, and modern two-way center they need to win a championship without exceeding the second tax apron.

The bad news is the Lakers most likely don’t have enough trading chips to solve all three of their major roster needs this summer, which means they may have to choose between third star, POA guard, and modern center.
The good news is the Bulls may be desperate enough to trade superstar Zach LaVine to the Lakers for just matching salaries, allowing L.A. instead to use their newfound draft capital for a POA guard and modern center

The Bulls salary dumping Zach LaVine could open a door for the Lakers to pull off an stunning blockbuster trade for a third superstar, POA guard, and modern center as starters alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
If the Lakers could trade for Zach LaVine without giving up a pick, they could then use the picks and swaps not used for a third superstar to trade for a POA guard like Alex Caruso and modern center like Jonathan Isaac.

A Lakers’ starting lineup of Alex Caruso, Zach LaVine, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Jonathan Isaac could be the best two-way starting lineup in the league and make the Lakers one of the league’s top teams.
The Lakers would also have a solid bench anchored by three rotation players from last season in Jarred Vanderbilt, Christian Wood, and Max Christie as well as possible rookies like Zach Edey and Bronny James.

While the Los Angeles Lakers still believe they can build a championship caliber team around LeBron James and Anthony Davis, they also know the clock is running out and they soon need to find a replacement for James.
The Lakers also know competition is only going to get tougher as the league is in the middle of a generational changing of the guard with the younger and more athletic stars and teams now replacing their older counterparts.

Here’s what a blockbuster trade for a third superstar, POA guard, and modern center to transform Lakers into champions would look like plus the team’s resulting depth chart and cap space and luxury tax status.

The Blockbuster Trade

The above three-team trade has the Lakers trading six players — Russell (S&T), Lewis, Hachimura, Reaves, Vincent, and Hood-Schifino — for two players from Bulls — LaVine, Caruso — and one player from Magic — Isaac.

Assuming the Bulls are willing to trade LaVine to the Lakers for just matching salary, what’s missing from the above trade is the draft capital L.A. would have to give the Chicago for Caruso and Orlando for Isaac.
Since the Lakers included Reaves in the trade for LaVine, the Bulls should be satisfied with L.A.’s 2029 or 2031 first round draft pick as additional compensation for Alex Caruso. Pick should have at least top-5 protection.

The other key to the Lakers being able to pull off a blockbuster three-team trade to add a third star, POA guard, and modern center is getting D’Angelo Russell to accept his player option so he can be included in the trade.
What the Lakers may need to do is guarantee D’Angelo Russell a new 3-year contract with 3rd year player option for at least $23 million per year via either a sign-and-trade or new contract if actual S&T cannot be negotiated.

The bigger question for the Los Angeles Lakers would be what kind of draft capital would they have to offer the Orlando Magic to motivate them to trade Jonathan Isaac, who’s become an extremely valuable rotation player.
Although only 26-years old, Isaac has essentially missed almost three full seasons due to injury so the Lakers trading for him or the Magic re-signing him to a bigger contract could be a major gamble despite his elite talent.

Ideally, the Lakers’ offer to the Magic should include a sign-and-trade for D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and L.A.’s 2029 or 2031 first round pick plus and an additional pick swap but not the Lakers 2024 first round pick.
Assuming the Pelicans will opt to allow the Lakers to keep #17 pick in this draft and instead take their 2025 first round draft pick, L.A. could then use their #17 pick on Zach Edey as backup center and the #55 pick on Bronny.

The Los Angeles Lakers have always been a franchise willing to shoot for the moon and never afraid of thinking big. The Lakers need a third star, POA defensive guard, and modern two-way center to win a championship.

The Lakers’ Depth Chart

The strength of the Lakers’ new roster is the starting lineup of Alex Caruso, Zach LaVine, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Jonathan Isaac, which boasts three elite defenders and five players who can shoot the three ball.

There was no question that surrounding LeBron James and Anthony Davis with D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura did not provide enough size or defense for the Lakers to compete for a championship.
But replacing Russell and Reaves with Caruso and LaVine and moving James and Davis down a position from power forward and center opens a lineup spot for Isaac to start at center next to AD in a two-bigs lineup.

The Lakers’ new starting lineup of Caruso, LaVine, James, Davis, and Isaac should be a dramatic improvement in offensive firepower and scoring over last season’s starting lineup with LaVine being the main difference maker.
LaVine should thrive as the Lakers’ third superstar, alongside James and Davis and when replacing one of them in the lineup. Ideally, the Lakers should be able to have at least two superstars on the court all the time.

Defensively, the Lakers’ new starting lineup would boast an elite point-of-attack defensive guard in Alex Caruso as well as a second elite switchable defensive big to protect the rim alongside Anthony Davis in Jonathan Isaac.
What’s impressive about the Lakers’ starting lineup is every player defends. There’s no DLO or Reaves or easy mark for teams to target and the lineup has championship size and length with three All-Defensive quality starters.

The Lakers’ reserves provide a diverse mix of versatile skills that can help contribute at both ends of the court and include three valued returnees from last year in Max Christie, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Christian Wood.
Add the players the Lakers select with the #17 and #55 picks in the draft, (for example, center Zach Edey and guard Bronny James) and the Lakers would start free agency with a solid 10-man rotation and five open spots.

By taking on LaVine’s bad contract, the Lakers acquired the third superstar they need without giving up picks, which then allowed them to expand the LaVine trade to use their draft capital instead to acquire Caruso and Isaac.

The Lakers’ Salary Cap

The above salary cap shows how the Lakers can add a third superstar, POA defensive guard, and modern two-way center and still have a deep and diverse roster without exceeding the dreaded second luxury tax apron.

While the new CBA makes it nearly impossible to build a championship team with three superstars earning more than $40 million per year, it can be done by targeting the right superstar, POA guard, and modern center.
For the Lakers, the key is the Bulls willingness to move LaVine with no draft capital in return, which would enable L.A. to use their available 3 picks and 4 swaps to trade for the POA guard and modern center they need.

Despite the salary cap hit and worrisome injury history, the opportunity to trade for a legitimate superstar like LaVine for just matching salary is hard to resist, especially if you then use the draft capital for Caruso and Isaac. With LeBron turning 40 next season, the Lakers would be smart to find his replacement sooner than later. LaVine would give L.A. the third superstar James wants while still keeping the trading chips for a guard and center.

The trades for Caruso and Isaac were specifically structured to give the Lakers cap space room for the dump of LaVine’s salary. The Lakers most L.A. Afford was Caruso‘’s $9.8 million and Isaac $17.4 million per year.
Were the Lakers to trade for players with combined salaries greater than $27.2 million, they would then exceed the second tax apron, which next season brings draconian financial taxes and non-competitive penalties.

Of course, Alex Caruso as the POA defender could easily be Marcus Smart, or Luguentz Dort, or Herb Jones and Jonathan Isaac as the modern two-way big could be Lauri Markkanen, Alperen Sengun, or Myles Turner.
The key is finding a starting elite point-of-attack defensive guard and a starting modern two-way center with combined salaries not greater than $27.2 million who would perfectly complement James, Davis, and LaVine.

Even if the Lakers decide not to trade for Zach LaVine, they should use their available draft capital to trade for an elite starting POA defensive guard and a starter quality modern two-way center rather than on a third superstar.

Four Modern Centers Who Would Transform Lakers Into Champions

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The Los Angeles Lakers are at a major franchise crossroads. Their top priority this summer should be to acquire a championship caliber modern two-way center to start alongside Anthony Davis in a two-bigs lineup.

The one thing last season and this season should have made perfectly clear is the Lakers need to get bigger and more physical not only to be their best version of themselves but also to match up better against bigger teams.
It’s no secret the Lakers with James and Davis dominate smaller teams with their size and physicality but struggle against bigger teams with low-gravity centers like Jokic and Sabonis who match up well against Anthony Davis.

If there is one consistent criticism of the Lakers’ front office the past three years, it’s their failure to pair Anthony Davis with a championship quality modern starting center to better defend and bang with Jokic and Sabonis.
The Lakers’ failure to pay more than minimum salary for a second big to play alongside Anthony Davis the past three years was further exacerbated by their failure to even land a backup to replace AD when on the bench.

Smart NBA front offices build rosters to beat the teams they know they have to go through. For the Lakers, that obstacle is the Denver Nuggets and Nikola Jokic. The Lakers need to pair AD with a modern two-way center.
Trading for a third superstar like Trae Young won’t solve the Lakers’ need for a second big and they won’t have draft capital or matching contracts left to trade for one, leaving them stuck again with minimum-salary centers.

The Lakers need to figure out what they really need to beat the few teams against whom they do not match up well. The answer is obviously a second starting big who can complement and unleash AD on offense and defense.
While reports have them targeting guards to be their third star, the Lakers would be smart to target dynamic young big men with legitimate upside and potential that could elevate the team to legit championship status.

The time has finally come for the Lakers to prioritize going big and trade for a modern championship quality starting center. Here are four centers L.A. could pair with Anthony Davis to transform the Lakers into champs.

#1 – Utah Jazz’ Lauri Markkanen

MARKKANEN: 7′ 0″, 240 lbs, 26-yrs, PF 54%/CE 44%, $18.4M for 1-yr
23.2/8.2/2.0/0.5/0.9 on 16.2/8.0/5.0 shots for 48.0/39.9/89.9%

The Los Angeles Lakers’ top choice to be their new starting center is Lauri Markkanen, whose age, salary, and elite size, athleticism, and volume 3-point shooting project him as the perfect second big to play alongside AD.

Markkanen has legitimate superstar ability to complement and unleash Lakers’ superstar Davis at both ends of the court. Defensively, he can guard the bigger wide-body centers like Jokic and Sabonis who give AD trouble.
Offensively, he has the elite 3-point gravity that attracts opposing team’s best defenders like a magnet and all but guarantees Davis the space and driving lanes he needs to unleash the best superstar version of himself.

Markkanen will be entering the last year of his Utah contract this summer, meaning the Jazz need to sign him to a long-term extension or trade him for another player and multiple draft picks before he becomes a free agent.
While Utah’s tough second half of the season has given them a harsh dose of reality, the Lakers will still need to present the Jazz with an offer they cannot refuse if they hope to convince them to trade Lauri Markkanen.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ best offer for the Jazz’ Lauri Markkanen would be a package of Rui Hachimura and Jalen Hood-Schifino to match salaries, three protected Lakers’ first round picks, and three first round pick swaps.
Because the draft capital they would have to give up would be substantial, the Lakers would also have to negotiate an extension with Markkanen to insure he would be locked up long-term as Anthony Davis’ co-superstar.

Unlike the other three center prospects the Lakers should consider as future front court partners for Anthony Davis, Lauri Markkanen is the only candidate who legitimately has the potential to become a real superstar.
Additionally, Markkanen is the best volume 3-point shooter among the four centers the Lakers should consider. He’s shooting 39.9% on 8.0 3-point shots per game. Lauri would replace Rui in the Lakers’ starting lineup.

Lauri Markkanen should be the Lakers’ top candidate to be their center of the future next to Davis and James because he has the greatest potential to become a legitimate superstar and is best volume 3-point shooting center.

#2 – Indiana Pacers’ Myles Turner

TURNER: 6′ 11″, 250 lbs, 28-yrs old, CE 100%, $20.0M for 1-yr
16.9/6.9/1.3/1.8/0.5 on 11.9/4.2/4.1 shots for 51.7/34.9/77.5%

Pacers center Myles Turner should be the Los Angeles Lakers’ second choice to be their new starting center as his proven ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim make him an ideal second big to play with AD.

A proven elite modern center who can stretch the floor and protect the rim, Turner would be a great fit alongside Anthony Davis to immediately give the Lakers a dynamic two-bigs lineup that could dominate both ends.
While he’s not the 3-point shooter Lauri Markkanen is, Myles Turner has enough 3-point shooting prowess offensively to stretch the floor and is one of the best overall shot blockers and defensive centers in the entire league.

Turner will be on the last year of his 2-year extension this summer and will earn $20.0 million. While only 28, Myles’ timeline is not an ideal match for the younger Pacers’ roster. The time may have finally come to trade him.
The Lakers have long coveted Myles Turner as the perfect front court partner for Anthony Davis in a two-bigs lineup but have been hesitant to trade valuable draft capital for a player who is not ‘per se’ a superstar.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ best offer for Pacers’ center Myles Turner would be a package that included Rui Hachimura and Jalen Hood-Schifino to match salaries plus two protected first round picks and two pick swaps.
Like with Markkanen, the Lakers would need to sign Turner to a long-term extension since they would be giving up essentially four first round picks to trade for him. Turner would replace Hachimura in the starting lineup.

What sets Turner apart from the other four Lakers’ starting center candidates is his proven experience and track record as a starting NBA center and history as one of the best shot blockers in the entire league.
While Markkanen has superstar upside offensively, Turner has true star potential defensively because of his elite rim protection and unique ability to defend smaller, quicker guards and wings when switched onto them.

Myles Turner should be the Lakers’ second choice to be their center of the future next to Davis and James because of his elite ability to protect the rim and real DPOY potential as well as proven ability to create spacing.

#3 – Houston Rockets’ Alperen Sengun

SENGUN: 6′ 11″, 243 lbs, 21-yrs, CE 100%, $5.2M for 2-yrs
21.1/9.3/5.0/0.7/1.2 on 15.6/1.8/5.6 shots for 53.7/29.7/69.3%

The Los Angeles Lakers’ third option to be their new starting center is the Rockets 21-year old center Alperen Sengun, who has the size, demeanor, and skill sets to develop into one of the best offensive centers in the league.

Already an All-Star at 21, Sengun has everything a prospect needs to develop into an elite modern two-way NBA center. His footwork and array of shots at the rim remind observers of a younger, more athletic Jokic.
Surrounded by a deep and talented young roster, Alperen has shown he is going to be a major force at center going forward. He’s still young and at times immature but there’s no question he has superstar potential.

But since Sengun injured an ankle against the Kings on March 10th, the Rockets have been on a red hot tear, winning 9 straight before losing to the Mavericks, and closing to within 2 losses of the 10th place Warriors.
Led by the emergence of Jalen Green as a superstar and a deep, talented young roster, the Rockets are thriving with the wide-open offense they’re able to play without the low post center Sengun clogging up the paint.

The result has led to conversations whether Green and Sengun could be the Rockets future superstar duo and whether their respective games fit well and complement each other or whether one of them should be traded.
Earlier in the season, the Rockets appeared to be willing to trade Green and his name had been mentioned in numerous trade rumors. Surprisingly, the recent Houston hot streak has led to rumors that Sengun could be moved.

Just like with Markkanen and Turner, the Lakers would have to give the Rockets an offer they could not refuse to get them to trade Alperen Sengun. In other words, L.A. would need to offer Houston significant draft capital.
A package of Max Christie to match salaries, two first round picks, and two first round swaps could be enough to motivate the Rockets to trade Sengun, especially if Houston looks to accumulate draft capital for a mega move.

Alperen Sengun should be the Lakers’ third option as their new starting center. While he is still young and raw, there’s no question Sengun has the raw talent to become a superstar two-way center for L.A. going forward.

#4 – Orlando Magic’s Jonathan Isaac

ISAAC: 6′ 10″, 230 lbs, 26-yrs, PF 87%/SF 13%, $17.4M for 1-yr
6.9/4.4/0.9/1.2/0.7 on 4.9/1.9/1.5 shots for 52.2/39.6/72.0%

Orlando Magic power forward Jonathan Isaac should be the Los Angeles Lakers’ fourth option as their future starting center now that he’s finally recovered from the knee injuries that cost him three of the last five years.

With his injury history hopefully at last behind him, Jonathan has worked hard and earned a place in the Magic’s dramatically improved rotation, making contributions at both ends averaging just 15.4 minutes per game.
After missing all of 2020–21 and 2021–22 and all but 11 games in 2022–23, Isaac has played in 52 of Orlando’s 75 games, shooting 52.2% from field, 39.2% from deep, and 72.7% from line, averaging 1.2 blocks and 0.7 steals.

While Jonathan Isaac’s rough injury history makes it hard to give up serious draft capital for him, his unique sets of two-way skills make him a very tantalizing prospect. Isaac has superstar potential at both ends of the court.
Offensively, his ability to stretch the floor and attack the paint make Isaac the ideal front court mate to pair with Anthony Davis in a two-bigs lineup. Defensively, Jonathan would give the Lakers a second elite defensive star.

Jonathan Isaac has 1-year left on his Orlando contract and while he has been playing well, there are still long-time concerns over his knee and his path to a starting role is blocked by Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter, Jr..
The timing may be right for the Magic to now trade Jonathan Isaac for veteran rotation depth and draft picks. Lakers could offer Rui Hachimura to match salaries, a protected first round pick, and a first round pick swap.

Like with the other starting center candidates, the Lakers are essentially trading elite draft capital in the form of picks and swaps for younger bigs with upside who would fit well as starting centers next to Anthony Davis.
Since Isaac has such a negative injury history and is not even a starter or playing staring minutes, the Lakers’ best offer does not include as many picks and/or swaps as their offers for the other starting center prospects.

Jonathan Isaac should be the Lakers’ fourth starting center candidate despite his injury history and lack of a starting role because he’s the best defender among the candidates and, if healthy, could be a superstar.

Lakers Should Copy This Summer What The Celtics Did Last Summer

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The smartest thing the Lakers could do this summer is copy what the Celtics did last summer and use their draft picks to trade for an elite point-of-attack guard and two-way modern center rather than a third superstar.

Last summer, the Boston Celtics faced a situation very similar to what the Los Angeles Lakers will face this summer: how to build a championship starting lineup and rotation around two superstar players in their prime.
Much like this season’s Lakers, last season’s Celtics were a team with two legitimate superstars and a collection of highly respected role players that had struggled to live up to its potential and needed a major upgrade.

Unlike the Lakers, who reportedly want to trade for a third superstar with their eyes on the Hawks’ Trae Young, the Cavs’ Donovan Mitchell, or the Mavs’ Kyrie Irving, the Celtics smartly went in the opposite direction.
They used first round picks and tradable contracts to land the elite point-of-attack defender they needed in Jrue Holiday and two-way modern center they needed to stretch the floor and protect the rim in Kristaps Porzingis.

The result was a Boston Celtics team that has the best record in the league by far and the #1 offensive rating, #2 defensive rating, and #1 net rating. Worst of all, Boston is now the favorite to win its 18th NBA championship.
Talk about a harsh reality that should jolt the Lakers’ ownership and front office and make them realize the last thing they need is a third superstar. The Celtics showed the Lakers exactly what they should do this summer.

Let’s take a closer look at how the Lakers this summer could copy what the Celtics did last summer and use their draft capital and tradable contracts to land an elite point-of-attack defender and two-way modern stretch center.

Celtics’ Holiday & Porzingis Trades

Like this season’s Lakers, last season’s Celtics needed two things to become legitimate championship contenders: better point-of-attack defense and a modern two-way center who can both stretch the floor and protect the rim.

Boston’s mega trades last summer for Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday transformed the Celtics from a second-tier competitor to the best team in the NBA and the odds-on favorite to win their 18th NBA championship.
The Lakers’ Rob Pelinka needs to take a close look at what the Celtics’ Brad Stevens accomplished with his two blockbuster trades to transform Boston into a championship contender because it’s also the right solution for L.A.

Stevens’ first move at the end of last season was to trade Marcus Smart, plus salary filler in Danilo Gallinari and Mike Muscala, and an early second round pick for Kristaps Porzingis and a pair of late first round picks.
Before the start of the season, Brad pulled off a second mega trade for point-of-attack guard Jrue Holiday to replace Marcus Smart, giving up Malcolm Brogdon, Robert Williams, and two late first round draft picks.

Those savvy moves resulted in the Celtics swapping Smart, Gallinari, Muscala, Brogdon, and Williams for Porzingis, Holiday, and an early second round pick. Porzingis’ trade gave them picks to use for Holiday.
That’s a consolidation effort that dramatically upgraded the Celtics from a tier-2 competitor to the championship favorite and set Brad Stevens up to win the league’s Executive of the Year award should Boston win #18.

The needs of this season’s Lakers and last season’s Celtics are so similar that the Rob Pelinka would be derelict if he did not consider replicating the trades Brad Stevens made rather than chasing after a third superstar.

Who Could Be Lakers’ Holiday?

The Lakers’ top prospects to fill their need for a starting defensive guard who can elevate the team’s point-of-attack defense like Jrue Holiday has done for the Celtics are the Bull’s Alex Caruso and Grizzlies’ Marcus Smart.

Bringing back Alex Caruso to be the team’s starting shooting guard and point-of-attack perimeter defender playing alongside starting point guard D’Angelo Russell would be the perfect solution for the Los Angeles Lakers.
As an NBA All-Defensive First Team selection last season, Alex would be the perfect backcourt mate to play with D’Angelo Russell. Pelinka should try to swap Gabe Vincent and a protected first round draft pick for Alex Caruso.

Caruso could start at shooting guard alongside Russell, allowing Reaves to move to the bench as the team’s 6th man and backcourt mate for Spencer Dinwiddie, whom the Lakers should clearly try to re-sign for next season.
Russell and Caruso starting backed up by Dinwiddie and Reaves off the bench would upgrade and strengthen the Lakers’ backcourt and rotation going forward, giving them desperately needed backcourt stability.

The Lakers’ other candidate to be starting shooting guard and point-of-attack defender would be the Grizzlies’ Marcus Smart, who was the heart and soul of the Boston Celtics’ defense before being traded to Memphis.
Like Caruso, Smart would give the Lakers’ starting lineup a defense-first option while enabling Reaves to move to the bench with Dinwiddie. If Pelinka cannot land Caruso, Smart would be an equally strong candidate.

The los Angeles Lakers should trade for either the Bull’s Alex Caruso or the Grizzlies’ Marcus Smart this summer to replace Austin Reaves as starting shooting guard and be their primary point-of-attack perimeter defender.

Who Could Be Lakers’ Porzingis?

The Lakers’ top prospects for a modern two-way big who can stretch the floor and protect the rim like Kristaps Porzingis has done for the Celtics are Magic’s power forward Jonathan Isaac and Raptors’ center Kelly Olynyk.

Finding a modern two-way center who could start alongside Anthony Davis in a two-bigs lineup, stretch the court with his 3-point shooting, and help protect the rim should be the Lakers’ other major priority this summer.
The Lakers’ top candidates for a second big to play with AD are the Magics’ Jonathan Isaac and the Raptors’ Kelly Olynyk, both of whom could play alongside or back up Anthony Davis at center so he can play the four.

The oft-injured but uber-talented Isaac is currently backing up Paolo Banchero and averaging 6.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 0.7 steals in 15.0 minutes per game while shooting 52.9/36.8/72.9%.
Jonathan would be a perfect fit next to AD. He has one year and $17.4 million left on his Magic contract and Pelinka should be able to acquire him this summer for Rui Hachimura and a first round draft pick.

The other intriguing modern two-way center the Lakers should consider is the Raptors’ Kelly Olynyk, who will be a free agent whom the Lakers should be able to acquire this summer for Rui Hachimura and a first round pick.
Whereas Isaac is slightly better on D than O, Olynyk is slightly better on O than D. He’s currently averaging 9.1 points, 5.0 boards, 4.2 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.4 blocks in 21.5 minutes per game shooting 55.0/40.5/81.7%.

The Los Angeles Lakers should trade for Jonathan Isaac or Kelly Olynyk to be their second big who could play alongside Anthony Davis in a two-bigs starting lineup or back up AD at center when he rests on the bench.

How Would Lakers & Celtics Matchup?

Head-to-head, a new Los Angeles Lakers’ starting lineup of Russell, Caruso, James, Davis, and Isaac matches up well against the Boston Celtics’ current juggernaut starting lineup of Holiday, White, Brown, Tatum, and Porzingis.

Both starting lineups boast pairs of legitimate top-10 superstars who can dominate any given game surrounded by three championship-quality starters who can shoot, pass, rebound, and defend at a premier level.
Both starting lineups also feature five players who can shoot the three, lockdown point-of-attack defensive guards who can stop penetration, and modern two-way centers who can space the floor and protect the rim.

Putting together a championship caliber starting lineup can be extremely expensive, especially if it causes teams to go over the luxury tax thresholds. Right now, the Boston Celtics are projected to have $183.6 million payroll.
The Celtics starters alone make $155.7 million per year, with four of the five starters earning over $30 million per annum. That payroll will cost the Celtics $39.5 million in luxury taxes for a grand total of $223.1 million.

Should the Lakers pull off mega trades for Alex Caruso and Jonathan Isaac, they will find themselves in a far better salary cap and luxury tax situation than the Celtics did after trading for Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis.
While Holiday and Porzingis earn $36.9 and $36.0 million per year, Caruso and Isaac only earn $9.5 and $17.4 million per year. That would let Lakers maintain a starting lineup payroll of $132.4 million, total payroll of $168.1 million, luxury tax of $7.0 million, for grand total of just $175.1 million.

Copying what last season’s Celtics did to build a championship starting lineup but targeting a less expensive lockdown perimeter defender and modern two-way center should be the Lakers game plan this summer.