Lakers Get GREAT NEWS on Trade Market with NEW Reports After Trae Young Trade!

The NBA trade market has finally burst open, and for teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, the timing couldn’t be better. After weeks of speculation and cautious maneuvering, the blockbuster trade sending Trey Young from the Atlanta Hawks to the Washington Wizards for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert—with no draft picks involved—has set the market’s tone. Whether you love or hate the deal, the ripple effect is undeniable: the market is now active, prices are being set, and teams are ready to make moves.

For the Lakers, this is a crucial window. Their roster, while still anchored by the greatness of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, has clear holes—especially at the wing. The need for a true 3-and-D forward has been obvious for months, and the opening of the trade market means Rob Pelinka and the front office finally have the opportunity to address it.

Let’s break down what this means for the Lakers, analyze the best wing targets on the market, and explore the broader implications for LA as the NBA’s trade season heats up.

The Domino Effect: Why the Trey Young Trade Matters

Big trades don’t happen in isolation. When a major deal goes down—especially one involving a franchise star like Trey Young—it resets the market and encourages other teams to follow suit. The Young trade, which saw Atlanta move on from their longtime centerpiece for veteran pieces and no picks, sent a clear message: teams are ready to act, and the price for stars may be lower than expected.

Within hours of the Young deal, reports surfaced about the possibility of an Anthony Davis trade, with Atlanta rumored to be interested. Shams Charania and other insiders noted that the market was “open,” with more deals likely in the coming days. For the Lakers, this is a signal: the time to strike is now, especially for role players and wings who could fill immediate needs.

The Lakers’ Needs: Why a 3-and-D Wing Is Priority #1

The Lakers’ roster has strengths—superstar talent, playoff experience, and a versatile frontcourt. But it also has glaring weaknesses:

Wing Defense: LA lacks a reliable perimeter defender who can take on top scorers and switch across positions.
Three-Point Shooting: The team’s spacing is inconsistent, and they need shooters who can hit open looks and punish defenses for collapsing on LeBron and AD.
Two-Way Play: The best teams in the league have wings who can contribute on both ends; the Lakers need this desperately.

Players like Jake LaRavia have shown flashes, but ideally, he’d be coming off the bench behind a proven starter. The dream target is someone like Herb Jones—a lockdown defender with a reliable three-point shot. But even if Jones is unattainable, the market is full of wings who fit the Lakers’ needs.

The Top Wing Targets: Who Should the Lakers Pursue?

With the market open, several names have been linked to the Lakers. Let’s break down the most realistic and impactful options:

1. Ochai Agbaji (Toronto Raptors)

Agbaji is one of the most intriguing options. Reports indicate Toronto is looking to duck the luxury tax and is willing to attach a second-round pick to move Agbaji. Last season, he shot nearly 40% from three, made over 100 threes, and regularly took on tough defensive assignments.

This year, his shooting has plummeted (17% from three), but that’s likely due to inconsistent minutes and role changes. Still, his defensive grades remain elite—A grades in ball screen navigation, off-ball chasing, and isolation defense. If the Lakers can buy low, Agbaji could be a steal.

Trade Mechanics: Direct deals with Toronto are tricky due to salary cap constraints, but a three-team trade involving Brooklyn could work. LA could send Dalton Knecht to Toronto (who isn’t in the rotation anyway), Gabe Vincent to Brooklyn, and receive Agbaji and Haywood Highsmith—another two-way wing—while Toronto gets under the tax.

2. Haywood Highsmith (Miami Heat/Brooklyn Nets)

Highsmith, currently injured but close to returning, shot over 38% from three last season and regularly defended top matchups. He’s on an expiring contract, which fits the Lakers’ need for financial flexibility. Adding Highsmith and Agbaji in one deal would be a masterstroke—two wings who can defend, shoot, and fit seamlessly into LA’s rotation.

3. Isaac Okoro (Cleveland Cavaliers)

Okoro is a young, athletic wing who’s shooting 37% from three this season and takes on the toughest defensive assignments nightly. He’s not as explosive as Derrick Jones Jr., but his age (24, turning 25 soon) makes him a long-term fit. Okoro’s defensive grades are excellent, and the Bulls are reportedly open to moving anyone on their roster.

Trade Price: If the Lakers can land Okoro for Gabe Vincent, Max Christie, a pick swap, and a second-rounder, it would be a win for both short- and long-term needs.

4. Keon Ellis (Sacramento Kings)

Ellis is a lesser-known wing but has drawn interest for his defense and three-point shooting. If included with Malik Monk in a deal, the Kings might be willing to move him—even to a rival like LA.

5. Naji Marshall (Dallas Mavericks)

Marshall is more of a defensive specialist (A+ grade in isolation defense, 95th percentile in matchup difficulty) than a shooter (31% from three this season), but he brings toughness and shot-making ability the Lakers lack. He’s averaging 13 points per game and could be a valuable rotation piece.

6. Kyle Kuzma (Washington Wizards)

Former Laker Kuzma is less ideal; he’s inconsistent as a shooter and defender. While his scoring is valuable, he doesn’t fit the three-and-D mold LA is prioritizing.

The Financial Angle: Why Expiring Contracts Matter

Both Agbaji and Highsmith are on expiring deals, which is crucial for the Lakers. Maintaining cap flexibility for the summer is a priority, and these deals allow LA to upgrade now without sacrificing future options. If either player thrives, the Lakers can re-sign them; if not, they have room to maneuver in free agency.

Beyond Wings: Other Trade Targets

While wings are the top priority, the Lakers have been linked to other players:

Bobby Portis (Milwaukee Bucks): A stretch big who shoots 38% from three, Portis could help if LA moves on from Rui Hachimura or Maxi Kleber. He’s not the primary need, but adds scoring and shooting.
Daniel Gafford (Washington Wizards): An athletic center, Gafford could bolster LA’s frontcourt depth, but isn’t as urgent a need as a wing.
De’Andre Hunter (Atlanta Hawks), Robert Williams III (Portland Trail Blazers): Both are intriguing but come with injury concerns or inconsistent production.

The Trade Market: Why Now Is the Time

The Young trade has lowered prices and made teams more willing to deal. The Lakers, with limited assets, must act quickly to avoid missing out on the best value deals. Expiring contracts, defensive versatility, and three-point shooting are the keys.

Teams like Toronto, Miami, and Cleveland are motivated sellers, looking to get under the tax or retool their rosters. The Lakers can exploit these dynamics to land quality wings without overpaying.

The Ideal Trade Scenario: Lakers Land Two Wings

The best-case scenario for LA is a three-team deal that nets both Agbaji and Highsmith. They would fill the rotation with two defenders who can shoot, move Jake LaRavia to the bench, and create a more balanced lineup.

Alternatively, adding Okoro or Marshall would give the Lakers a young, athletic wing who can grow with the team.

The Risk: What If the Lakers Stand Pat?

If the Lakers don’t make a move, they risk falling behind in a competitive Western Conference. LeBron and AD can only do so much, and the lack of wing depth will be exposed in the playoffs. Standing pat means relying on internal development, hoping for health, and betting that the current group can overcome its weaknesses.

Given the market dynamics, that’s a risky strategy.

The Broader NBA Picture: How the Market Has Shifted

The Trey Young trade has set the tone for the deadline. Teams are more willing to move veterans, take on expiring deals, and prioritize flexibility. The Lakers, with their star power and championship aspirations, are in a unique position to benefit.

Other contenders—Warriors, Suns, Hornets—are also in the mix for players like Bobby Portis, but LA’s need for wings and financial flexibility makes them a prime destination.

What’s Next: The Lakers’ Path Forward

The next few weeks are critical. The Lakers must:

Monitor the market closely: Prices are dropping, and sellers are motivated.
Prioritize wings: Agbaji, Highsmith, Okoro, Ellis, Marshall—these are the names to watch.
Maintain flexibility: Expiring contracts are key; don’t overcommit to long-term deals.
Act quickly: The market is open, but quality deals won’t last.

If Rob Pelinka and the front office can execute, the Lakers could transform their roster, shore up their biggest weakness, and enter the playoffs as a more balanced, dangerous team.

Conclusion: The Lakers’ Trade Deadline Opportunity

The opening of the trade market after the Trey Young deal has created a unique opportunity for the Lakers. With their need for a 3-and-D wing more urgent than ever, LA must act quickly to capitalize on the shifting landscape. Whether it’s Agbaji, Highsmith, Okoro, Ellis, or Marshall, the right move could elevate the Lakers from fringe contender to legitimate title threat.

The next few weeks will define the season. Will the Lakers seize the moment, or will they stand pat and risk falling short? The answer will shape the franchise’s future—and the Western Conference playoff race.