As the NBA trade deadline draws closer, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in a familiar position: looking for the right pieces to round out a roster that’s still trying to find its ceiling. But this time, there might be a unique opportunity to address multiple needs in one swing - and the Philadelphia 76ers could be the ideal trade partner to make that happen.
Three names stand out as potential targets: Quentin Grimes, Andre Drummond, and Kelly Oubre Jr. All three are on expiring contracts, which makes them more than just appealing - they’re realistic. And for a Lakers team that’s short on long-term flexibility but hungry for immediate help, that’s a critical distinction.
The 76ers Could Be the Key to a Lakers Midseason Shake-Up
Let’s start with Oubre. He’s quietly putting together one of the most efficient shooting seasons of his career, knocking down threes at a 37.5% clip.
That’s not just respectable - that’s the kind of shooting the Lakers have been desperate to add on the wing. But it’s not just about the shot.
Oubre brings switchable defense, energy in transition, and a physicality that fits the Lakers’ identity when they’re at their best. He’s the type of two-way wing who could thrive in Darvin Ham’s system and give LeBron James and Anthony Davis a reliable partner on both ends of the floor.
Then there’s Grimes. His offensive numbers have dipped this season, but that could work in the Lakers’ favor.
A down year might lower his trade value just enough to make him attainable. Grimes still carries the reputation of a tough-nosed defender with a quick trigger from deep - a 3-and-D archetype that fits snugly into the Lakers’ rotation needs.
He’s also just 23, with room to grow and the kind of upside that makes sense for a team trying to balance win-now urgency with long-term planning.
One wrinkle to watch: Grimes has the ability to veto a trade, due to the way his restricted free agency played out last offseason. That said, the chance to play under the bright lights of Los Angeles, alongside two future Hall of Famers, could be a pretty compelling pitch for a young player looking to boost his value ahead of his next contract.
And then there’s Drummond. Yes, he’s a familiar face in L.A., but this isn’t quite the same player who had a brief stint with the team a few years ago.
Drummond has added a bit more range to his offensive game, giving him a stretch component that wasn’t there before. He’s still a monster on the glass and a big body who can eat minutes in the paint - something the Lakers could use behind Davis, especially with the physical toll the season tends to take on their star big man.
The Fit Makes Sense - But Do the Lakers Have Enough to Offer?
What makes this trio especially intriguing is the flexibility they offer. The Lakers don’t necessarily need to land all three - even one or two could be a significant upgrade.
Oubre gives them a defensive-minded wing who can shoot. Grimes offers youth and perimeter defense.
Drummond brings size, rebounding, and veteran experience. Each fills a need.
Together, they could reshape the Lakers’ rotation heading into the stretch run.
The big question, of course, is whether the Lakers have enough to make a deal happen. Their asset pool is limited - they’ve already moved several picks in recent years, and their young talent isn’t exactly overflowing. But if Philadelphia is looking to clear cap space or retool around Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, there could be a path forward.
It’s rare that one team can offer multiple pieces that so directly address another team’s needs. But that’s exactly what’s on the table here. If the Lakers can find the right package - and if the Sixers are truly open for business - this could be one of the more quietly impactful trade partnerships of the deadline season.
The Lakers don’t need a blockbuster. They need the right pieces. And Philly might just have them.