LA Lakers NBA Trade Deadline Early Predictions 2024: 5 bold moves ft. an All-Star level acquisition

After reaching the Western Conference finals last season, the LA Lakers significantly retooled the roster. They acquired Gabe Vincent, Jaxson Hayes, Cam Reddish, Taurean Prince and Christian Wood. After roughly two months, it seems like the Lakers are set to revamp the roster before the trade deadline.

LA is 10th in the West with a 17-17 record. They are only 2-7 in their last nine games and are mired in a two-game losing streak. The Lakers almost beat the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday but were blown off the court on Sunday versus the New Orleans Pelicans.

With the trade deadline looming, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka could tinker with the lineup again.

Here are some players the LA Lakers could target via trade

#5. Dorian Finney-Smith

The LA Lakers reportedly asked the Brooklyn Nets about Dorian Finney-Smith’s availability for a trade last season. They might decide to go after him again. Finney-Smith is an elite 3-and-D player. He is averaging 10.0 points on 45.0% shooting, including 43.0% from deep. Getting him might involve letting go of D’Angelo Russell or Rui Hachimura.

Prying the versatile forward from Brooklyn might be difficult. He is on a team-friendly contract and he has become an important part of the team’s rotation.

#4. Royce O’Neale

If the Nets don’t want to trade Dorian Finney-Smith, the LA Lakers could target his teammate, Royce O’Neale. The former Utah Jazz player is also an excellent defender with decent outside shooting from deep. O’Neale is also playing in the final of a four-year contract. Brooklyn might not want to lose him when he becomes an unrestricted free agent.