The Los Angeles Lakers could make more trades before the 3 PM EST deadline today. After making a jaw-dropping trade for Luka Doncic on Saturday, the Lakers went further by securing center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets. This move was essential after sending their starting center, Anthony Davis, to the Dallas Mavericks to acquire Doncic. In total, the Lakers parted with three first-round picks (2029-2031), raising questions about their next steps.
With Doncic and LeBron James now in the fold, the Lakers need to balance the current season with the franchise’s future. After committing many picks, here’s a breakdown of their remaining trade assets:
Draft Picks
2025 Second-Round Pick (LAL)
2026 First-Round Pick Swap (LAL)
2028 First-Round Pick Swap (LAL)
The Lakers are left with only three tradeable picks, two of which are not easily moved. After giving up multiple picks for Doncic and Williams, the Lakers are focusing on their roster, though the second-round pick might be used for a marginal upgrade or cap space. The first-round picks are likely to remain untouched, as the Lakers may want to retain them for future trades if they don’t win a title this season.
Players Who Could Be Traded
Maxi Kleber
Christian Wood
Shake Milton
The Mavericks have three players they are actively looking to trade. The most notable is Maxi Kleber, who is currently injured but has an expiring contract through 2026, which could interest the Lakers. Christian Wood, also a former Doncic teammate, hasn’t played all season due to injury, and his minimum contract likely needs additional pieces to be traded. Shake Milton’s non-guaranteed contract offers $2.7 million in cap relief for the following season but may not bring significant return on its own.
Players Who Will Only Be Traded For Major Upgrades
Rui Hachimura
Jarred Vanderbilt
Gabe Vincent
The Lakers have some valuable assets they’re unlikely to part with unless it results in a significant upgrade. Hachimura, averaging 12.8 points and 5.1 rebounds, is a starter whose $17 million contract would only be traded for a major wing upgrade. Jarred Vanderbilt, with his solid defense, is another player with trade value, although his contract may make him less appealing to other teams. Lastly, Gabe Vincent, despite a tough offensive season, remains important as a guard defender, and the Lakers would need a better guard to trade him away.
With the deadline fast approaching, the Lakers will likely focus on deals that strengthen their championship hopes for this season.
