NBA Market: The trade that would save the Los Angeles Lakers' season

NBA Market: Los Angeles Lakers are going through a rollercoaster season, despite the high expectations generated by the arrival of JJ Redick as head coach. Although it was hoped he could correct last year's deficiencies, the team has not managed to improve. With the trade deadline set for February 6, the Angelenos still have the opportunity to strengthen their squad in key areas such as defense, size in the paint, and ball handling.

An interesting option would be a three-team trade involving the Brooklyn Nets and Detroit Pistons with the Lakers, as proposed by BleacherReport colleagues:

Proposed trade scenario

Lakers receive:

• Dennis Schröder (Nets)
• Dorian Finney-Smith (Nets)
• Day'Ron Sharpe (Nets)
• Shake Milton (Nets)
• Wendell Moore Jr. (Pistons)

Nets receive:

• D'Angelo Russell (Lakers)
• Gabe Vincent (Lakers)
• Jalen Hood-Schifino (Lakers)
• 2029 First-round pick (top-5 protected or 2030 second round; Lakers)
• 2031 First-round pick (top-5 protected or 2031 second round; Lakers)
• $4 million trade exception (Day'Ron Sharpe)
• $2.9 million trade exception (Shake Milton)

Pistons receive:

• Christian Wood (Lakers)
• Maxwell Lewis (Lakers)
• Rights to Vanja Marinković (Nets)
• $3 million (Lakers)

Reasons for the Lakers

With the duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis as the core, the Lakers have no intentions of rebuilding in the short term. The group of players from Brooklyn may not include a superstar, but they fit the team's specific needs.

Dorian Finney-Smith stands out as a versatile defender who provides reliable outside shooting (43.2% from the perimeter). Dennis Schröder, on the other hand, is having one of his best seasons, averaging 18.6 points per game with 38.5% from three-point range. Although shorter than D'Angelo Russell, he offers superior defense and greater offensive consistency. Shake Milton, another guard, contributes with an impressive 42.2% from three-point range off the bench.

Furthermore, Day'Ron Sharpe would add the strength that the Lakers desperately need in the paint to complement Davis. Although he has dealt with injuries this season, his contribution as a physical center could be invaluable if he passes medical tests.

This trade would also allow the Lakers to maintain salary flexibility for the upcoming season. Schröder will be an unrestricted free agent, Sharpe will be a restricted free agent, Finney-Smith has a player option, and Milton's contract is not guaranteed. Even LeBron could choose to renegotiate his contract to facilitate the addition of additional reinforcements in the summer.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Mercado NBA: El traspaso que salvaría la temporada de Los Angeles Lakers