After a promising start to the season, the Lakers have started going sideways. JJ Redick has improved the team somewhat, but Los Angeles still looks like it's at a talent deficit compared to the very best teams in the league. The good news is that the Lakers have draft picks in 2029 and 2031 to improve their roster, along with a promising young prospect in Dalton Knecht.
The Lakers have been reticent to go all-in and use that entire stash on a star player. How about using a fraction of it on a reliable veteran who has shown he still has a lot left in the tank? They have a chance to do exactly that with a team that would be willing to move on from one of its most productive players. Here's a trade that could get the Lakers an infusion of talent at a bargain price.
SN's NBA HQ: Live NBA scores | Updated NBA standings | Full NBA schedule How Lakers can trade for Nikola Vucevic The trade Lakers receive: Nikola Vucevic Torrey Craig Talen Horton-Tucker Bulls receive: Gabe Vincent Jarred Vanderbilt Jalen Hood-Schifino 2029 first-round pick MORE: Lakers are turning rookie Dalton Knecht into JJ Redick 2.0 Why the Lakers do it The Lakers' offense started the year out hot but is sliding closer toward the No. 15 ranking they had last year.
Redick's stated goal of generating more 3s isn't happening — seven games into the season, they're dead last in attempts from deep . Nikola Vucevic is having a resurgent year from the 3-point line. He's been an up-and-down shooter throughout his caree.