The Los Angeles Lakers are not running it back next year following this year’s playoff exit to the Denver Nuggets in the first round. Darvin Ham is out as the head coach and LeBron James has a $51,415,938 player option this summer but might reject it and sign a multi-year deal to remain with the Lakers. Anthony Davis is still untouchable, but the Lakers need to find a way to create a Big Three and should target Donovan Mitchell.
Mitchell was absent in Games 4 and 5 for the Cavaliers against the Celtics in the second round, and his team bowed out in five games. That means Mitchell’s future is thrust in doubt following constant rumors he wants to play in a big market. The Lakers can acquire Mitchell to create the NBA’s best Big Three by utilizing one of two blockbuster trade packages because the shooting guard might want to try his luck in a big market.
Lakers' Trade Package No. 1 For Donovan Mitchell
The first trade package involves swapping out two key role players, D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura, along with other assets in a blockbuster acquisition of Donovan Mitchell.
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Donovan Mitchell
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: D’Angelo Russell (Sign-and-Trade), Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood, 2024 No. 17 Overall Pick, 2030 First-Round Pick
For the Lakers, acquiring Donovan Mitchell would undoubtedly bolster their roster. Mitchell's scoring prowess (26.6 PPG) and playmaking ability (6.1 APG) make him an ideal complement to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. His perimeter shooting and ability to create his own shot would alleviate some of the offensive burden on James and Davis, especially in clutch moments. Forming a Big Three with Mitchell, James, and Davis could elevate the Lakers to championship contention for the first time since 2020.
Parting ways with D'Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura might seem like a tough decision, but it's a necessary one for the Lakers to secure a player of Mitchell's caliber. Russell, while talented, hasn't quite lived up to expectations as a cornerstone player (14.2 PPG on 31.8% 3-PT FG in playoffs this season), and Hachimura, while showing promise, is still developing. Including them in the trade allows the Lakers to consolidate their assets and bring in a proven star.
For the Cavaliers, this trade offers several benefits as well. The 28-year-old D'Angelo Russell provides them with a talented scoring guard who can excel both on and off the ball. Pairing him with Darius Garland in the backcourt gives Cleveland a dynamic and versatile scoring duo. Rui Hachimura adds frontcourt depth and potential, giving the Cavaliers a young forward to develop alongside their core of young talent. Additionally, acquiring two future first-round picks gives the Cavaliers valuable assets for future roster building.
Lakers' Trade Package No. 2 For Donovan Mitchell
The second trade package the Lakers can use is pairing Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura with two role players and two picks to shake the Western Conference.
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Donovan Mitchell
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2024 No. 17 Overall Pick, 2030 First-Round Pick
For the Lakers, acquiring Donovan Mitchell remains the primary objective. Mitchell's skill set perfectly complements LeBron James and Anthony Davis, providing the Lakers with another elite scoring option and athlete. His ability to create his own shot, space the floor (36.8% 3-PT FG), and excel in clutch situations would be invaluable to a team aiming for championship contention.
By parting ways with Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and Jalen Hood-Schifino, the Lakers are sacrificing depth and youth for immediate star power. However, the potential payoff in terms of on-court production and championship aspirations makes this trade worthwhile.
From the Cleveland Cavaliers' perspective, this trade offers a different set of benefits. Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura bring youth and potential to the Cavaliers' roster. Reaves has shown promise as a versatile guard with solid shooting and defensive abilities, while Hachimura offers athleticism and scoring in the frontcourt. Gabe Vincent and Jalen Hood-Schifino provide additional depth and rotation options for Cleveland as they move on from trading their superstar player.
Los Angeles Lakers Create The Best Big Three In The NBA And Win A Championship
The Los Angeles Lakers have a golden opportunity to create the best Big Three in the NBA by acquiring Donovan Mitchell to join forces with LeBron James and Anthony Davis following Cleveland’s exit in the postseason. With LeBron's remarkable ability to defy age and continue performing at an elite level as he approaches 40 next season, the Lakers must go all-in to maximize their championship window.
The second trade package involving Austin Reaves presents the most compelling option for the Lakers. By parting ways with Reaves and other assets, they can secure Mitchell, who adds a dynamic scoring threat to their roster. With Russell able to start at point guard, the Lakers can field a more complete lineup with Mitchell, James, Davis, and Jarred Vanderbilt, setting themselves up as formidable contenders.
For the Cleveland Cavaliers, either trade package presents an enticing opportunity. However, the inclusion of Reaves in the deal offers immediate value, as he can seamlessly slot into the lineup and contribute in Mitchell's absence. Additionally, both trades net the Cavaliers two valuable first-round picks, providing them with assets to further their rebuild around Darius Garland and Evan Mobley.
Overall, the Lakers stand to benefit significantly from acquiring Mitchell, positioning themselves as favorites for the 2025 NBA title. With a star-studded lineup and LeBron's leadership guiding the way, the Lakers have the potential to achieve championship success once again.
