5 Players Lakers Should Target on the Trade Market This Offseason

The Los Angeles Lakers have to pull off a major trade this offseason. After losing in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs, the Lakers have to go all-in to prove to LeBron James that he can compete for a championship in Los Angeles.

General manager Rob Pelinka has three first-round picks he can trade this summer. These picks plus Austin Reaves should get the Lakers on plenty of negotiating tables. Here are five players who should be the main target for the Lakers in the offseason using this package.

Donovan Mitchell

The Cleveland Cavaliers star should be the number-one player on the Lakers' wish list this summer. The 27-year-old All-Star has one more year left on his contract and whatever team trades for him would have to give him a contract extension. Considering that Donovan Mitchell is a perfect fit next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers should be willing to do that for the dynamic scorer.

Mitchell was traded to the Cavs two seasons ago. Cleveland failed to reach the heights they were hoping for, winning only one playoff series in two years. On an individual level, however, Mitchell was everything they hoped for as he averaged 27.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game in 123 appearances.

There is too much smoke in Cleveland about a Donovan Mitchell trade. He seemingly doesn't want to be there long-term, opening the door for the Cavs to move on from him now to acquire assets in return. If the three first-round picks the Lakers can offer them is enough for Cleveland, they shouldn't hesitate to do that for Spida.