The Los Angeles Lakers are heading into the 2024 offseason with high expectations and significant decisions to make. After a disappointing first-round exit against the Denver Nuggets, the Lakers are looking to retool and make a deep playoff run next season. Despite the talent of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the team struggled with consistency and fit, leading to the firing of head coach Darvin Ham.

The Lakers are now in search of a new head coach after UConn’s Dan Hurley rejected a massive offer yesterday. As LeBron reportedly ponders optng out his $51.4 million player option and the future of key players like D’Angelo Russell hangs in the balance, the Lakers have a critical summer ahead to solidify their roster and make strategic trades.

The Lakers have several tradeable assets, but none more intriguing than Austin Reaves. Reaves’ development into a reliable and versatile guard has made him a valuable asset, and while the Lakers have been reluctant to part with him, the right offer could change that. This offseason, the Lakers are expected to be aggressive in the trade market, aiming to add a third star to their lineup and improve their chances of contending in the increasingly competitive Western Conference.

1. A Zach LaVine Comeback To LA

Lakers receive: Zach LaVine

Bulls receive: D’Angelo Russell (sign-and-trade), Austin Reaves, 2029 first-round pick

Zach LaVine, a former UCLA standout, has always been a name linked with the Lakers in trade rumors. LaVine’s explosive scoring ability and athleticism would bring a dynamic edge to the Lakers’ roster, making him an attractive target for the Purple and Gold. This season, LaVine averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists in 25 games, showcasing his well-rounded game despite dealing with a lingering foot injury that limited his playtime and ended his season back in January.

LaVine’s arrival would add a potent scorer who can create his own shot and provide spacing with his three-point shooting. His ability to play both on and off the ball would complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis, allowing them to operate more efficiently. LaVine’s athleticism and ability to run the floor would also fit well with the Lakers’ transition game, potentially leading to easy baskets and high-energy plays. Defensively, while LaVine isn’t known as a lockdown defender, playing alongside Davis would help cover some of his weaknesses, allowing him to focus more on his offensive strengths.

Austin Reaves has emerged as a vital piece for the Lakers, putting up impressive numbers with 15.9 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.3 rebounds across 82 games. His versatility, basketball IQ, and steady play have made him a fan favorite and a reliable option on both ends of the floor. In Chicago, Reaves could thrive in a system that allows him to be a primary playmaker and scorer, offering stability and consistency to the Bulls’ backcourt with the promise of a better future along the 2029 pick.

D’Angelo Russell, included as a sign-and-trade in the move, averaged 18.0 points, 6.3 assists, and 3.1 rebounds in 76 games this season. He has been solid for the Lakers but doesn’t quite fit the mold of a traditional point guard that the team desperately needs. His offensive prowess is undeniable, yet his playmaking and defensive capabilities have left something to be desired. In Chicago, Russell would have the opportunity to be a primary ball-handler, providing scoring and playmaking while complementing the existing roster. His experience and ability to create his own shot would be valuable assets for the Bulls as they look to improve their offensive efficiency.

Bringing LaVine back to Los Angeles could reinvigorate the Lakers’ lineup. His connection to the city through his UCLA days and his past linkages to the Lakers in trade rumors make this scenario both exciting and feasible. LaVine’s scoring punch alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis could form a formidable trio, pushing the Lakers closer to their championship aspirations. Meanwhile, the Bulls would gain two productive players in Reaves and Russell, helping them to build a more balanced and competitive team.

2. Donovan Mitchell Would Transform The Lakers

Lakers receive: Donovan Mitchell

Cavaliers receive: Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, 2024 17th pick, 2029 first-round pick

Donovan Mitchell has been a hot topic in trade rumors, with the Cavaliers potentially exploring deals to maximize their roster’s potential. This season, Mitchell averaged 26.6 points, 6.1 assists, and 5.1 rebounds in 55 games, solidifying his status as an elite scorer and playmaker. His addition to the Lakers would provide the team with a significant offensive boost and another star to complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Austin Reaves has been a standout for the Lakers this season. His steady development and versatility have made him a valuable asset. Rui Hachimura, with his physicality and scoring ability, averaged 13.6 points and 4.3 rebounds in 68 games. Jarred Vanderbilt, known for his defensive prowess, has been linked with trade rumors this offseason by the Lakers. Including the 17th pick in this year’s draft and a future first-round pick in 2029, the Cavaliers would receive a solid mix of young talent and draft assets.

In Cleveland, Reaves could thrive as a primary playmaker and secondary scorer, providing stability and consistency to the Cavaliers’ backcourt. His basketball IQ and defensive effort would fit well with Cleveland’s existing young core. Hachimura’s size and versatility would allow him to play multiple positions for the Cavaliers, giving them flexibility in their lineups. His ability to score both inside and out would complement Cleveland’s existing players, providing additional offensive firepower and rebounding.

Mitchell’s scoring and playmaking would alleviate the offensive load on LeBron and AD, providing a consistent third option and elevating the Lakers’ championship prospects. The potential defensive concerns with Mitchell, who has been criticized for his defense, could be mitigated by the Lakers’ strong defensive unit, particularly with AD anchoring the paint.

This trade would significantly shake up both teams, but for the Lakers, adding a star like Mitchell could be the key to making a deep playoff run and contending for another title.

3. Trae Young As The Next Lakers Star

Lakers receive: Trae Young

Hawks receive: D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt, 2024 17th pick

Trae Young has been the subject of numerous trade rumors this offseason, especially after the Atlanta Hawks’ disappointing exit from the Play-In Tournament. Adding to the speculation, the Hawks won the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, which has led to discussions about potentially moving Young to kickstart a rebuild around a new young talent like Alexander Sarr, the projected top pick.

This season, Young averaged 25.7 points and 10.8 assists per game, remaining one of the NBA’s premier offensive forces. However, his defensive struggles have led the Hawks to consider rebuilding around a different core. The Lakers, on the other hand, are looking to make significant upgrades after a first-round playoff loss to the Denver Nuggets. Bringing in a dynamic point guard like Young could be a game-changer for them.

The proposed trade package includes D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves. Additionally, Jarred Vanderbilt, who has been mentioned in trade rumors due to his defensive versatility and hustle, is included in the deal. The inclusion of the 17th pick in this year’s draft gives the Hawks a chance to add a promising young talent to their roster.

Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell would bring a mix of playmaking, scoring, and experience to the Hawks. Reaves, known for his versatility and basketball IQ, would thrive as a secondary playmaker and scorer, providing stability and consistency. Russell, with his offensive prowess and ability to create his own shot, would be a valuable asset for the Hawks, helping to lead their backcourt alongside other young talents. Jarred Vanderbilt, included in trade rumors due to his defensive versatility and hustle, would add defensive strength and rebounding to the Hawks’ lineup.

Including the 17th pick in this year’s draft gives the Hawks a chance to add a promising young talent to their roster. For the Lakers, acquiring Young would provide a potent offensive weapon to help them compete in the stacked Western Conference. This trade scenario offers a strategic shift for both teams, aligning with their respective short-term and long-term goals.

Trae Young’s ability to create plays and score from deep would make the Lakers’ offense significantly more dynamic. His exceptional ball-handling skills and court vision would open up opportunities for both Anthony Davis and LeBron James, allowing them to thrive without having to shoulder as much of the playmaking burden. Young’s presence would enable LeBron to play off the ball more frequently, conserving his energy and extending his career while maintaining high efficiency.

Young’s shooting range would provide the Lakers with much-needed floor spacing, making it harder for opponents to double-team Davis in the post. His knack for hitting deep three-pointers would stretch defenses, creating driving lanes for LeBron and AD. Moreover, Young’s pick-and-roll game with Davis could become one of the most lethal combinations in the league, with Young’s shooting and passing perfectly complementing Davis’s finishing ability and mid-range game.

4. Lauri Markkanen Could Be Great In LA

Lakers receive: Lauri Markkanen

Jazz receive: Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, 2024 17th pick, 2026 2nd round pick

Lauri Markkanen has established himself as a key player for the Utah Jazz, averaging 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game this season. His impressive shooting percentages of 48.0% from the field, 39.9% from beyond the arc, and 89.9% from the free-throw line highlight his efficiency and versatility on the court. Markkanen is on a very team-friendly contract, making $18 million next season, with the Jazz holding the option to extend him further.

Markkanen has one year left on his current deal, and while he has expressed a desire to stay with the Jazz and help build a winning culture, the team’s front office is open to listening to trade offers. This openness stems from their need to build a more competitive roster after a disappointing 31-51 season.

The proposed trade package from the Lakers includes Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura. Additionally, the Lakers would send their 17th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft and a 2026 second-round pick. This offer provides the Jazz with young, promising talent and valuable draft assets to aid in their rebuilding efforts.

Austin Reaves would bring versatility and high basketball IQ to the Jazz, fitting well as a secondary playmaker and scoring option. His defensive efforts and ability to adapt to various roles on the floor would provide Utah with a reliable guard who can contribute on both ends. Rui Hachimura’s size and scoring ability would offer the Jazz flexibility in their lineups, allowing him to play both forward positions. His knack for scoring inside and out would complement Utah’s offensive schemes and provide additional rebounding and physicality. Including the 17th pick in this year’s draft and a 2026 second-round pick, this trade offers the Jazz a mix of young talent and future assets to aid in their rebuilding efforts.

For the Lakers, acquiring Markkanen would address their need for a skilled forward who can stretch the floor and provide consistent scoring. Pairing him with Anthony Davis and LeBron James would create a formidable frontcourt, enhancing the Lakers’ offensive and defensive capabilities. This trade scenario offers a win-win for both teams, aligning with their respective short-term and long-term goals.