Lakers Eye Potential Trades to Boost Playoff Chances

LOS ANGELES, CA – With the 2024-25 NBA regular season nearing its conclusion, the Los Angeles Lakers are in a tight race for playoff positioning. Sitting at No. 3 in the Western Conference with a 48-30 record, they are relying heavily on stars Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves to lead them forward. However, the struggles of their bench unit could jeopardize their postseason hopes.

Currently, the Lakers’ bench ranks 27th in scoring with an average of just 26.3 points per game, while their defensive metrics sit at 15th in the league with a defensive rating of 113.7. These statistics highlight a pressing need for improvement ahead of the 2025 NBA Playoffs. The Lakers’ general manager, Rob Pelinka, is expected to explore the trade market this offseason to enhance their roster.

One potential trade could involve the Lakers swapping their No. 17 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Dalton Knecht, for Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson. The 22-year-old Watson is averaging 8.1 points and 3.4 rebounds, boasting a high true shooting percentage of 56.4% in 65 games this season. Additionally, he has contributed positively on defense, evidenced by his 0.2 defensive box plus-minus rating.

If the Lakers acquire Watson, he could provide essential support for their star duo, Dončić and James, particularly within head coach JJ Redick‘s small-ball scheme. Watson’s versatility may offer the Lakers the athletic edge they have been lacking off the bench.

The Nuggets, sitting fourth in the Western Conference at 47-32, may entertain the trade due to Knecht’s offensive potential and shooting. However, Denver’s general manager, Calvin Booth, has displayed unpredictability regarding the future of the team, making any trade discussions uncertain.

Amid speculation, a FanDuel Sportsbook analysis proposed a more ambitious trade, involving superstar Nikola Jokić moving to the Lakers in exchange for Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Dorian Finney-Smith, Dalton Knecht, a first-round pick in 2031, and 2028 draft pick swaps. Jokić, who is averaging 30 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game, has led the Nuggets on a strong path this season.

Following a surprising acquisition of Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks in February, the Lakers could potentially secure another top-tier player in Jokić. This could greatly boost their chances of competing for NBA titles in the near future.

While Jokić’s loyalty to the Nuggets appears strong, fans speculate fervently. If he remains with the team through another successful playoff run, it may ease concerns in Denver about his future.