With a 42-33 record and a 9th-place standing in the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Lakers are primed for a postseason run, but getting there won’t be simple. Although LeBron James and Anthony Davis have excelled this season, the Lakers still need to add a third All-Star before the 2024–25 season begins. We have five potential trade candidates.

The Los Angeles Lakers and the Cleveland Cavaliers made an intriguing transaction that will affect the Western Conference’s dynamics. In return for sending Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, and a 2029 first-round selection to the Cavaliers, the Lakers acquired Donovan Mitchell. The Lakers now have a powerful backcourt presence to go along with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, which further strengthens their squad. This kind of blockbuster transaction has a good possibility of happening given Mitchel’s hazy future in Cleveland.

Donovan Mitchell is a dangerous addition because of his flexibility, defensive skill, and scoring ability. The Lakers’ offence gains a new dimension from his ability to generate his own shots, drive to the rim, and shoot beyond the arc, especially when he plays with LeBron and Davis. The Lakers would now be able to challenge the defending champion Denver Nuggets as well as teams like the Los Angeles Clippers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Minnesota Timberwolves for the Western Conference title.

Innumerable mismatches for opposition defences would result from the combination of LeBron’s playmaking, Davis’ inside-out scoring, and Mitchell’s perimeter threat. The trio’s defensive potential is also impressive since, when focused, each player is capable of playing great defence. The team’s ability to compete even when LeBron retires thanks to this transaction creates the groundwork for a bright future with Donovan Mitchell and Anthony Davis as key players.