3 Lakers Trade Targets to Avoid at All Costs

The Los Angeles Lakers are feeling the pressure of improving the roster this offseason. After disappointing in the playoffs against the Denver Nuggets, the Lakers are making some changes, which started with the hiring of JJ Redick. It will continue with reshaping the roster.

Considering the lack of cap space the Lakers have, their best bet is to be aggressive on the trade market to bolster the roster. However, they can't make the mistake of being too aggressive and making moves just to make them. They have to make sure they prioritize players that fit around LeBron James and Anthony Davis and give them a real shot at becoming title contenders. Here are three players they should avoid at all costs.

Zach LaVine

The two-time All-Star will likely not be too expensive to acquire as his trade market is reportedly not robust. Well, there is a reason for that. LaVine is due $43 million for the 2024-25 season and is under contract until the end of the 2026-27 season.

He hasn't played at a level commensurate with that level for the past two seasons. Last year, he only played in 25 games due to injuries, but he was far from his usual self in those appearances, averaging 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game on 45.2/34.9/85.4% shooting splits.

At his best, LaVine is a valuable player. He is a deadly shooter, he can get to the rim and is able to create shots for his teammates. Yet, he is an offense-only player who has never been tested in the playoffs.

Taking on his albatross of a contract is not a good idea for any team but it's especially disastrous for the Lakers, who have Anthony Davis and LeBron James on max contracts. You don't want to give up your entire financial flexibility and cap space to acquire Zach LaVine.