BREAKING: Top 6 Feasible Mid-Season Trade Options to Boost....

Players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis who are always in the win-now mode, the Los Angeles Lakers might need to make some smart additions as the 2024–25 NBA season goes on. Even while their core is still strong, they still need to improve in a few areas, especially because they play in the very competitive Western Conference. The Lakers could be proactive during the mid-season trade deadline, looking for players who can improve their shooting, defense, or playmaking skills to push the team into championship contention, given the heightened trade rumors. We’ll look at a few of the most likely trade prospects that might have a big impact on the Lakers this season below.

1. Jordan Clarkson

Jordan Clarkson might be a great trade candidate for the Los Angeles Lakers, providing them with the scoring depth they sorely need for the 2024–25 campaign. Clarkson demonstrated his capacity to generate offense on a regular basis last season, averaging 17.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. His field goal percentage of 41.3% and three-point percentage of 29.4%, however, indicate that he may not be able to completely end the Lakers’ long-range shooting problems. His versatility and ability to score points off the bench, however, would be a huge plus.

Both clubs stand to gain from the proposed trade, which includes Gabe Vincent, Jalen Hood-Schifino, and two future second-round picks. Relocating Clarkson would allow the Jazz to provide more playing time to their younger guards, Keyonte George and Collin Sexton.

their recently discovered gift. In the meantime, LeBron James and Anthony Davis would have less offensive pressure as the Lakers added an experienced shot creator to strengthen their backcourt.

Another valuable asset is Clarkson’s postseason experience; he has established himself as a trustworthy scorer in pressure-filled circumstances. Because of this, he is a solid choice for the Lakers when the game slows down and they need someone to break down the defense. Moreover, his prior experience in Los Angeles might make his return to the team easier.

The Lakers’ problems with three-point shooting, in particular, would not be solved by this trade, but Clarkson’s ability to score on his own and create his own opportunities would add a vital element to their attack. This move might help a team hoping to make a deep postseason run.

2. Bruce Brown

The Lakers may find Bruce Brown to be a useful addition if they want to improve their roster in the middle of the season. Recently traded to the Raptors in the Pascal Siakam deal, Brown has experienced hurdles, including undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery that will sideline him for much of the preseason. The Raptors exercised his $23 million team option for the season in spite of this setback, but they continue to build with younger players, leading to rumors of a possible trade.

A trade package featuring Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes, and a 2025 second-round pick could benefit both teams, given Brown’s expiring contract and limited appeal to other contenders. Last season, Brown averaged 9.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while playing for both the Raptors and Pacers. His shooting was commendable—48.1% from the field and 31.7% from beyond the arc—and he has a reputation for strong defensive skills. For the Lakers, bringing in Brown, who can guard multiple positions, would alleviate some of the defensive burden on Anthony Davis. Additionally, Brown’s versatility in various positions would provide the Lakers with greater lineup flexibility.

From the Raptors’ perspective, acquiring younger players like Hachimura and Hayes aligns with their long-term strategy. Given that Brown is on an expiring contract, it’s likely they’ll look to trade him before the deadline. Hachimura presents solid potential as a forward, while Hayes offers another young big man for development.

Earlier in the offseason, there were discussions about the Raptors flipping Brown shortly after acquiring him, but his surgery complicated those plans. However, once he returns to full fitness, his ability to impact both ends of the court and his championship experience from Denver make him an attractive option for the Lakers. If they aim for a deep playoff run, securing someone like Brown could prove to be a pivotal move.

3. Malcolm Brogdon

Given that the Lakers are in dire need of a dependable, seasoned point guard, Malcolm Brogdon would be the ideal mid-season trade target. Brogdon joined the Washington Wizards after being traded by the Trail Blazers, who acquired Deni Avdija in exchange, after a hectic offseason. With his contract expiring and a crowded backcourt that includes Jordan Poole, Johnny Davis, and Bub Carrington, the Wizards—who are presently in rebuild mode—will attempt to move Brogdon again.

For both teams, a trade package including Jalen Hood-Schifino and D’Angelo Russell may be an intriguing option. After a season in which he shot an incredible 41.2% from three, Brogdon averaged 15.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.5 assists. He would be an excellent offensive coordinator and shooter.

For the Lakers, this deal could also pave the way for Bronny James to step into a bigger role. With Brogdon as the primary playmaker, Bronny could develop into the second-string point guard full-time, taking on more responsibility as the season progresses. Russell has had his moments, but Brogdon’s consistency and leadership in a playoff setting make him a more reliable option.

From the Wizards’ perspective, getting Russell and Hood-Schifino helps their rebuild. Russell can still contribute as a scorer, and Hood-Schifino offers potential as a young guard who could develop alongside their young core. Overall, this trade works for both teams: the Lakers get a steady veteran to help make a playoff push, and the Wizards gain more pieces for their future.

4. Dorian Finney-Smith

Dorian Finney-Smith may be a terrific addition for the Lakers, particularly if they try to strengthen their defensive tenacity on the wing. Finney-Smith, who is currently with the Brooklyn Nets, has been the focus of trade rumors ever since the summer. While the Nets are sticking onto him for the time being, he could be traded in the middle of the season given their emphasis on developing younger players and preparing for the future.

The Nets might be persuaded to consider a trade that includes Gabe Vincent, Jaxson Hayes, and a 2025 second-round pick. Finney-Smith was a valuable three-and-d player last season, averaging 8.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and shooting 34.8% from three-point range. With this trade, the Lakers would acquire a dependable perimeter defender with three-point shooting ability, filling a major need for the team.

LeBron James and Anthony Davis would be able to focus more on their attacking game because to Finney-Smith’s defensive versatility. Furthermore, his presence might aid in enhancing the Lakers’ troublesome three-point shooting.

In exchange, the Nets would receive another draft pick to help in their rebuilding efforts in addition to two young, reliable role players in Vincent and Hayes. All things considered, this trade would satisfy the requirements of both teams, giving the Lakers defensive support and giving the Nets important future assets.

5. Jonathan Isaac

The Lakers would benefit greatly from adding Jonathan Isaac, especially in terms of defense. He has a long history with the Magic, but he has also had a number of injuries that have prevented him from playing for extended periods of time. However, the Magic recently gave him a five-year contract extension worth $84 million, showing that they are confident in his abilities. However, questions about his long-term health persist, and he might be traded for the appropriate offer, especially considering the congested nature of their frontcourt.

A trade idea featuring Jarred Vanderbilt and Rui Hachimura might help both teams. Although Isaac’s numbers from the previous season—6.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks—may not seem remarkable, his great defensive versatility is what really makes him valuable. With Anthony Davis, he can guard a variety of spots, making for a potent frontcourt combination. To compete against formidable teams like the Nuggets and Thunder, the Lakers would benefit greatly from Isaac’s ability to block shots and switch onto guards.

Adding Vanderbilt and Hachimura to their roster would help the Magic bolster their rebuilding efforts with youthful, flexible players. Similar to Isaac, Vanderbilt gives grit and defensive vigor, and Hachimura adds scoring and a strong mid-range game to complement their young core, which also includes Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero. This trade could create a more balanced roster for the Magic while providing the Lakers with another elite defender to aid in their playoff ambitions.

While Isaac’s injury history makes this trade somewhat risky, if the Lakers can effectively manage his minutes and keep him healthy, his defensive prowess could justify the gamble. He has the potential to be a game-changer by shutting down the opposing team’s top scorer while also contributing as a shot-blocker and rebounder.

6. Goga Bitadze

Goga Bitadze could be a good choice for the Lakers if Jonathan Isaac isn’t open to trade, giving them size and inside defense. Bitadze, who is currently a backup center for the Orlando Magic, recently agreed to a three-year, $25 million contract deal. But with Mo Wagner back and Wendell Carter Jr. as the starting center, Bitadze might be available for the right price.

Orlando might be interested in a trade package involving Gabe Vincent, Jaxson Hayes, and two second-round selections (2025 and 2027). With an average of 5.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game the previous season, Bitadze was a great backup for Anthony Davis. He would provide rim protection, shot blocking, and the adaptability to start alongside Davis. His capacity for defense the paint and finish at the rim would make him a valuable asset for a Lakers team looking to enhance their depth and improve their outside shooting to create more space on the floor.

Vincent would give the Magic a reliable backup point guard to go behind Cole Anthony and Jalen Suggs, and Hayes would provide another young big man with potential. Adding assets like second-round choices would provide the Magic more flexibility for future transactions as they continue to develop their youthful core. Both teams would benefit from this trade, which would give the Lakers much-needed depth and the Magic important developmental assets.