With LeBron James and Anthony Davis out for a month, the Los Angeles Lakers are going to need some help to make another deep postseason run. Even with the two stars back in the fold, there are talks that the Lakers could be engaged in the trade market to bring a star player to town.
The Lakers have a package that could be worth up to $10 million with players like Wesley Matthews, Alex Caruso, Alfonzo McKinnie, and Talen Horton-Tucker combined. For some more expensive players, it may cost draft capital. With that said, 10 role players could fit in with the Lakers right now for the right package. Here are their top options.
10. Frank Ntilikina
Let’s say that Caruso was to be dealt for another piece. The Lakers would need to find a backup point guard that does not cost a lot of money. That is where Ntilikina comes into play. The former lottery pick has fizzled out in New York and averages 14.7 minutes per game with the Knicks. He is averaging 4.3 points and 0.8 assists this season in limited time.
This could be great for Ntilikina after the point guard has failed to live up to expectations. After averaging 6.3 points and 3.0 assists last season, he has clearly fallen out of the plans with New York. He could be worth a second-round draft pick.
9. Mo Bamba
The loss of Dwight Howard was not huge but Howard proved to be vital for the Lakers last season. Marc Gasol has not brought the same type of fire that Howard brought. With Davis out, it has forced the likes of Markieff Morris and Montrezl Harrell to step up alongside Gasol, who does not have the same type of quickness like he used to have.
Bamba is another project that has failed after being taken as a lottery pick. Bamba’s minutes have decreased every season since he started in Orlando. This year, Bamba owns 4.6 points per game average and 3.9 rebounds in 10.2 minutes. Bamba needs a change of scenery and the Lakers need another big man on their depth chart. It’s an easy win-win.
8. Bismack Biyombo
Biyombo would be the perfect player to replace Howard’s absence and it wouldn’t probably cost that much more if it came down to trade. Biyombo is averaging 5.5 points and 5.5 rebounds this season in 21.7 minutes per game. He is a high-energy player that can play the role of center and come off the bench with ease.
In 2015, Biyombo grew to fame when he came off the bench for the Toronto Raptors and averaged 8.0 rebounds. He had two solid seasons with the Magic before signing a contract with the Charlotte Hornets. Biyombo could benefit from playing on a contending team, while the Lakers could benefit someone that will bring the energy as he does with the second unit.
7. DeMarcus Cousins
How about a reunion? Cousins signed with the Lakers in 2019, which was Davis’ first season in the league. Instead of pairing up with his former Pelicans teammate, he tore his ACL in an offseason pickup game and never suited up for the Lakers. He was waived in February 2020. Since then, Cousins has played for the Rockets where he averaged 9.6 points and 7.6 rebounds in 20.1 minutes per game.
However, Cousins is going to be gone from the Rockets and the Lakers could pick him up. It wouldn’t cost that much money. At this point, Cousins just wants to win a ring. At 30 years old with a torn ACL and torn Achillies in the last three years, he is not the same player that made four straight All-Star appearances. Still, he could provide big-time minutes in a reserve role.
6. JJ Redick
Kenatavious Caldwell-Pope is a name that is being floated around in potential trade rumors. If the Lakers deal away one of their best three-point shooters, then they should look to bring in JJ Redick. Despite Redick having one of the worst years in his career, he is still shooting 36% from the three-point range. If Caldwell-Pope gets dealt, somebody has to get the three-point shot.
Redick’s stock is down given that his three-point field goal percentage is his lowest since 2013. He is still a career 41.% shooter from long range. Put him with the Lakers, and he could resurrect his career for one last strong playoff push.
5. Hassan Whiteside
Whiteside got bamboozled by the Kings. After averaging 15.5 points and 13.5 rebounds, Whiteside has not been used correctly. This season, his numbers have taken a nosedive as he sports 8.0 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. Whiteside had averaged double-digit rebounds six straight seasons before this year.
If the Lakers want to swing a deal, they might be able to offer one player and a second-round pick. Whiteside is on a one-year contract, which makes him an intriguing rental player. If the Lakers are looking for a strong rim protector that can board, then it might be time to make the move.
4. TJ Warren
Remember when TJ Warren was one of the best scorers in the NBA bubble last year? This year, Warren has played in just four games and is months away from returning. The Pacers could be enticed for a player like Horton-Tucker and Caruso straight up for Warren.
If Warren can return at the same time as Davis and LeBron, then this would be an interesting rotation. Warren owns a career average of 15.5 points per game. Last season, he scored 19.8 points per game, while the season before he averaged 18.0 points. He would be the ultimate swingman assuming that he is healthy for the playoffs.
3. Rudy Gay
Speaking of ultimate swingmen, Gay has proven to be one of the best in the business in terms of coming off the bench. In his prime, Gay was a scorer that averaged close to 17-21 points per game. The last four seasons have dropped his career average to 16.9 points per game but make no mistake, the 35-year old can still play.
The Lakers are built around winning right now, so that is why they had veterans like Howard and Rondo on the team last year. This year, the team signed Gasol and Harrell. Gay has played in the league since 2006 and has not come close to winning an NBA title. With the Spurs looking like a future first-round exit, the team could be shopping Gay, LaMarcus Aldridge, and DeMar DeRozan. Gay is the cheapest option and would give the team another veteran to lean on.
2. Thaddeus Young
Young could very well be the MVP of the Chicago Bulls this season. The Bulls are fighting for the No. 8 overall spots in the Eastern Conference playoffs but at some point, the team is going to need to decide the future of the franchise. Their future does not have an NBA championship this season, so the team might look to shop their top assets.
Young is shooting the ball 59.2% from the field and is averaging a career-high 4.4 assists per game. The Bulls thrive off Young getting the ball and making the pass to the open shooter. Having Young on the floor would mean that the offense could remain fluid even if Dennis Schroder, Caruso, or LeBron were off the floor. Young is potentially first-round pick worthy this season, which is a reason why he might scare off the Lakers. In the end, he would be a perfect fit for this team.
1. Andre Drummond
Drummond would be the most expensive option and the riskiest option given that he will be a free agent after this season. Drummond has been benched so that Jarrett Allen can play his minutes. The Cleveland Cavaliers were supposed to find a trade partner by now but it’s been a month since they made their last statement. In 25 games, Drummond averaged 17.5 points and 13.5 rebounds. The more we talk, the more likely Drummond will be bought out.
A buyout would be perfect for the Lakers because they have a great case for Drummond to come to town for a small price. Drummond has played his entire career for the Detroit Pistons and Cavaliers, making the postseason twice. Drummond would immediately be the starter and a huge upgrade over Gasol offensively and defensively. Drummond, paired with a healthy Davis, would make the Lakers unstoppable on defense, just like last season, which means that the Lakers would have a great chance to repeat as champions.
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