The Los Angeles Lakers are a solid team as-is but there could be a way to surround LeBron James and Anthony Davis with some more star power to become title favorites in the Western Conference, and it includes blockbuster trades for Trae Young, Collin Sexton, and Walker Kessler.
LeBron James, on the cusp of his 40th birthday, has hinted that his legendary NBA career might be nearing its end. Recent reports suggest that LeBron could retire after one or two more seasons, with insider Shams Charania even speculating that next season could be his last. This revelation could signal an urgent need to act for the Los Angeles Lakers and GM Rob Pelinka.
LeBron’s brilliance remains undeniable. Even as Father Time looms, he continues to deliver elite performances by averaging 23.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 9.2 assists per game. The Lakers, under first-year head coach J.J. Redick, are off to a solid 9-4 start, ranking 8th in points per game (116.8) and 5th in offensive rating (117.8).
Anthony Davis, playing at an MVP-caliber level (31.1 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 2.0 BPG), has been a dominant force alongside LeBron. Yet, doubts persist about whether the currently constructed team can compete for a championship.
For the Lakers, the lessons of the past loom large. A decade ago, the franchise failed to assemble a competitive roster around Kobe Bryant in his final years, a decision that still haunts fans. Now, the front office faces a similar crossroads. To ensure LeBron’s final seasons are as competitive as his prime years, the Lakers must aggressively pursue roster upgrades.
LeBron and Davis are untouchable cornerstones, but the Lakers have valuable trade chips, including D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and a collection of future draft assets. These pieces could be parlayed into transformative deals, potentially landing a superstar point guard and two high-impact starters.
With LeBron’s window to contend narrowing, the Lakers have no time to waste. It’s time for Pelinka and Jeanie Buss to push their chips to the center and give one of the game’s greatest players a legitimate shot at a final championship.
A Blockbuster Trade For Trae Young
Oct 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) controls the ball against the Indiana Pacers during the first half at State Farm Arena.
Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Trae Young
Atlanta Hawks Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2031 First-Round Pick
The Los Angeles Lakers are already a solid contender with LeBron James and Anthony Davis leading the charge, but the addition of Trae Young would elevate their offense to a new level. Young, a three-time All-Star and one of the most dynamic offensive players in the league, would immediately become the Lakers’ primary playmaker.
So far this season, Young is averaging 23.4 points, 11.3 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game. His ability to score from deep (career 35.4% from three-point range on 7.4 attempts) and create for others would allow LeBron James to operate more off the ball and conserve energy for crucial stretches. Young’s elite shooting and playmaking with Davis’ dominant inside presence could transform the Lakers’ offense into a high-powered juggernaut.
This trade also allows LeBron to play in a more free-flowing offense, with Young’s pace and flair giving him more opportunities to create mismatches in transition. For the Atlanta Hawks, trading Trae Young represents a shift toward a more balanced and defensively sound team.
The return of D’Angelo Russell (12.1 PPG, 4.8 APG), Austin Reaves (18.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 5.5 APG), and Jarred Vanderbilt (who is yet to play this season) gives the Hawks multiple players who can contribute immediately with youth and energy.
Russell, with his scoring and playmaking ability, would seamlessly slide into a point guard role for Atlanta as he hopes to get back to last season’s levels (18.0 PPG, 6.3 APG) because he might have worn out his welcome with JJ Redick. Reaves is a solid 3-and-D player with a high basketball IQ, a great fit for the Hawks’ system alongside Zaccharie Risacher and Jalen Johnson.
A 2-In-1 Trade For Collin Sexton And Walker Kessler
Mar 31, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (left) talks with guard Collin Sexton (2) during halftime against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Collin Sexton, Walker Kessler
Utah Jazz Receive: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Max Christie, 2025 Second-Round Pick, 2030 Second-Round Pick
The Lakers’ acquisition of Collin Sexton and Walker Kessler would address both their guard depth and center position, two areas where they have had inconsistencies. Sexton, often known as a scorer with a chip on his shoulder, is having a productive season by averaging 15.9 points per game on 42.2% shooting from three. His ability to attack the basket and stretch the floor would complement LeBron and Young’s skill sets, giving the Lakers a more diverse offensive threat.
Meanwhile, Kessler’s elite shot-blocking ability and rebounding would provide the Lakers with a young, physical presence in the middle, allowing Davis to shift to his preferred power forward position. This season, Kessler is averaging 9.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game, showing great promise as a future defensive anchor. Adding the 23-year-old Kessler would solidify the Lakers’ defense and provide a strong rim protector alongside Davis, making the team a more complete championship contender.
For the Utah Jazz, this trade represents an opportunity to shed a couple of contracts and stockpile future assets. Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and Max Christie are all solid role players who fit into Utah’s rebuilding timeline. Hachimura offers scoring and rebounding, while Vincent’s shooting and defensive skills give the Jazz some versatility on the wing. Max Christie, a young and promising player, could develop into a key contributor in Utah’s future.
A Superteam That Can Realistically Make The NBA Finals
Starters: Trae Young, Collin Sexton, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Walker Kessler
Key Bench Players: Dalton Knetch, Cam Reddish, Jaxson Hayes
This revamped Los Angeles Lakers roster, built around Trae Young, Collin Sexton, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Walker Kessler, would undoubtedly have the firepower and depth to challenge for an NBA championship. With LeBron continuing to defy age and a potent supporting cast, the Lakers would be able to contend with any contender in the Western Conference including the Thunder, Nuggets, Suns, and Timberwolves.
Adding a dynamic guard like Young and a defensively capable center like Kessler would provide a balanced roster capable of both offensive explosiveness and suffocating defense, making them a serious contender for the NBA Finals. The key to their success lies in the synergy between their stars and the versatility their bench offers, allowing them to match up with any team in the playoffs.
With the Boston Celtics looking primed for another NBA Finals appearance, it could also be feasible that we get treated to an iconic matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers. A superteam Lakers taking on a stacked Celtics roster will always make headlines, and it could lead to one of the greatest series ever. There is still time for the Lakers to make some major decisions to acquire Trae Young, Collin Sexton, and Walker Kessler to get back to being the team to beat in the West.