Lakers Trade Season: Big Swings, Fringe Moves, and What Fans Want
The NBA trade season is officially underway, and as always, Lakers fans have thoughts-lots of them. With the Dec. 15 date behind us, the rumor mill is spinning, and fans are firing off trade ideas faster than a D’Angelo Russell pull-up three. But the real question for the Lakers front office isn’t just who to target-it’s how aggressive they need to be.
Should they chase a superstar and go all-in? Or are smaller, smarter moves the better play for a team that still believes it can contend with the right tweaks? Let’s dive into the names fans are buzzing about-and whether any of these deals actually make sense for the purple and gold.
The Dream: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Let’s start with the big one. Giannis.
Yes, fans are dreaming big-and why not? The idea of Giannis in a Lakers jersey is tantalizing.
Some trade proposals floating around include Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, a first-round pick, and salary filler to match the Greek Freak’s massive contract. On paper, it’s a blockbuster.
In reality? That package likely doesn’t move the needle for Milwaukee.
Sure, Reaves might be the best individual player in the deal, but he’s also a flight risk in free agency. Without any long-term commitment, the Bucks would be gambling on a short-term asset. And while the Lakers’ pick is valuable, other teams are simply in a better position to outbid L.A. if Giannis ever hits the market.
Would the Lakers trade Reaves for Giannis? Probably.
But it’s not as simple as it sounds. Reaves has become a core piece, and while Giannis is a generational talent, the cost-and the likelihood of the Bucks even entertaining that offer-makes this more fantasy than reality.
Smart Targets: Herb Jones and Trey Murphy
Now we’re getting into more realistic territory. Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III are exactly the kind of two-way wings the Lakers need: young, athletic, and capable of spacing the floor while defending at a high level.
The Lakers have reportedly shown interest in Jones, and they should. He’s one of the best perimeter defenders in the league and would slot in perfectly alongside LeBron and AD.
But New Orleans knows what they have, and they’re not giving him away. The asking price is steep-likely too steep for the Lakers to meet without mortgaging their limited draft capital.
Trey Murphy? Same story.
He’s a knockdown shooter with size and athleticism, and the Pelicans will have no shortage of suitors. Even with the Lakers offering their best available assets, it’s hard to see them winning a bidding war.
Still, these are the kinds of players the Lakers should be targeting: young, versatile wings who can contribute now and grow with the core. Whether or not they can land one is a different story.
Scavenging the Clippers (and Others)
Look, poking fun at the Clippers is a time-honored tradition in L.A., but stealing useful pieces from them? That’s next level.
One fan-proposed deal had Gabe Vincent going out in exchange for Chris Paul and Brook Lopez. The problem?
Both Paul and Lopez look like they’ve hit the wall. Vincent might be struggling, but he’s still a playable rotation piece.
Paul and Lopez? Not so much at this stage.
A more intriguing idea was a three-team deal that would bring in Corey Kispert, Derrick Jones Jr., and Kris Dunn. That trio wouldn’t make headlines, but each brings something the Lakers need.
Kispert is a lights-out shooter. Jones Jr. brings length, athleticism, and defensive chops.
Dunn is one of the league’s most underrated defenders and could stabilize the backcourt.
It’s unlikely that exact deal gets done, but the concept is sound: smaller moves that improve the roster on the margins. These are the kinds of trades that don’t make ESPN’s front page but can swing a playoff series.
Another minor swap floated was Bronny James for Cam Christie. On paper, Christie is the better prospect.
But as long as LeBron is in L.A., it’s hard to see the team parting ways with Bronny. That’s just the reality of the situation.
Keon Ellis: A Hidden Gem?
Keon Ellis has popped up in a couple of proposals, and it’s easy to see why. He’s a defensive-minded guard who fits the mold of what the Lakers are missing.
Sacramento, however, seems unsure of what to do with him. He’s valuable, but not a regular part of the rotation.
That creates an opportunity-but only if the price is right. One suggested deal involved a pick swap, which doesn’t really benefit the Kings. Realistically, the Lakers would have to give up a first-rounder, and with so few in the chamber, that’s a tough call for a player who hasn’t fully broken out yet.
Still, Ellis is worth asking about. If the Kings are open to a deal, the Lakers should be ready to pounce.
The “Blow It Up” Option
Finally, there’s the nuclear option: trading Austin Reaves to Houston for what amounts to spare parts. That’s a hard no.
Reaves has been one of the Lakers’ most consistent and impactful players. He’s not just a fan favorite-he’s a legitimate All-NBA-caliber guard this season. Unless the return is a proven star or a blue-chip young talent, moving Reaves makes no sense.
In fact, Reaves might be the Lakers’ best trade chip if they want to build a new Big Three next summer. Giving him away for an unproven guard and a role player would be a massive misstep.
Final Word: Big Moves vs. Smart Moves
The Lakers are in a tricky spot. They’re not far off from being a serious contender, but they’re also not flush with assets. That means every move has to count.
The dream scenarios-like Giannis-are fun to imagine, but unlikely. The smart path forward might be a series of smaller, strategic moves that shore up the bench, add shooting, and tighten the defense.
Whether it’s targeting undervalued wings like Kispert or betting on upside with someone like Ellis, the Lakers have options. But they’ll need to be aggressive, creative, and, above all, realistic.
Because in a loaded Western Conference, standing still isn’t an option.