The Los Angeles Lakers have restructured their roster around LeBron James with the departures of Anthony Davis and Max Christie to the Mavericks. With the February 6th trade deadline fast approaching, there are three trades they must consider to complete their roster overhaul. After landing Luka Doncic in one of the biggest trades in NBA history, the Lakers have added a generational superstar, but their roster still needs significant improvement to compete for a championship.

With the addition of Luka Doncic, the Lakers now feature an exciting backcourt of him and LeBron James. However, the team still lacks depth, defensive strength, and reinforcements in the frontcourt, all of which are crucial for a title run this season.

In the wake of Anthony Davis’ departure, the Lakers’ interior is thin, relying on Jaxson Hayes and Christian Wood, neither of whom is reliable as a starting center on a contender. Moreover, while the supporting cast is talented, it’s a mix of unproven young players and inconsistent veterans, meaning the Lakers must make additional moves to strengthen their roster. If they want to make the most of LeBron’s championship window while transitioning smoothly into the Luka era, general manager Rob Pelinka must act before the trade deadline. Here are three trades the Lakers need to consider to strengthen their team after securing Luka Doncic.

Proposed Trade Details

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Myles Turner

Indiana Pacers Receive: Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt

Myles Turner has been a long-time target for the Lakers, and with Anthony Davis gone, this is the ideal moment to make a move. Turner is averaging 15.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game, shooting 40.0% from three-point range.

He’s one of the few big men capable of elite rim protection while also being a floor spacer, making him a perfect fit alongside Luka and LeBron. His shooting would help clear space for them in the paint, while his defense would provide the Lakers with a much-needed anchor.

For the Indiana Pacers, Turner is set to become a free agent after this season, with a $19.9 million salary. If they’re unsure about re-signing him, they could secure two valuable role players in return. Rui Hachimura provides scoring and size on the wing, while Jarred Vanderbilt offers elite perimeter defense to complement the Pacers’ young core. This trade allows Indiana to avoid losing Turner for nothing and adds useful pieces for their rebuild.

For the Lakers, this trade enhances both their defense and shooting without sacrificing future draft picks. Turner would instantly become their top big man and could be a long-term fixture alongside Luka and LeBron. If the Lakers want to compete now, this is a move they must make.

Two-In-One Trade for Clint Capela and Bogdan Bogdanovic

Proposed Trade Details

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Clint Capela, Bogdan Bogdanovic

Atlanta Hawks Receive: Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, Cam Reddish

The Lakers have a pressing need for size, rebounding, and shooting, and this trade addresses both areas simultaneously. Clint Capela would become the starting center, providing elite rim protection and rebounding, two areas the Lakers have lacked since moving Anthony Davis. Capela is averaging 9.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game, and is one of the most consistent paint defenders in the league. His ability to set hard screens and catch lobs from Luka and LeBron would make him a crucial part of their championship push.

Bogdan Bogdanovic would offer another shooter and secondary playmaker to the Lakers’ roster. Despite a down season, averaging 10.0 points on 30.1% three-point shooting, Bogdanovic could thrive in a system built around Luka and LeBron, using his off-ball movement and shooting to punish defenses and potentially return to his best form.

The Lakers have struggled with reliable scoring off the bench, and Bogdanovic would provide an immediate solution, while also serving as an additional ball-handler.

For the Hawks, this trade allows them to move Capela’s $22.3 million salary and focus on developing Onyeka Okongwu, their promising young center. Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt bring valuable defensive versatility, while Gabe Vincent and Cam Reddish offer further depth. This trade helps both teams meet their needs, and for the Lakers, adding two proven contributors in Capela and Bogdanovic would significantly boost their title chances.

Proposed Trade Details

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Steven Adams

Houston Rockets Receive: Gabe Vincent, Cam Reddish, Christian Wood

With the loss of Anthony Davis, the Lakers have struggled with interior toughness, and Steven Adams would bring that immediately. One of the NBA’s strongest players, Adams excels at rebounding and physical play.

Though injuries have limited his impact in recent seasons, Adams remains an elite rebounder (5.1 per game in just 12.1 minutes per game this season) and a great screen-setter, which would benefit the Lakers’ pick-and-roll offense alongside Luka and LeBron. When healthy, Adams would provide valuable second-chance opportunities and a strong defensive presence.

In exchange, the Lakers move Gabe Vincent and Cam Reddish, two inconsistent role players, as well as Christian Wood, who has struggled to find a consistent role despite having a strong 2020-21 season (21.0 PPG, 9.6 RPG). These players haven’t made a significant impact, so trading them for a proven veteran like Adams is a low-risk, high-reward move. Adams’ leadership and experience would also be crucial for a team aiming for a championship.