Fixing The Los Angeles Lakers Bench With 3 Easy Trades

Lakers receive: Corey Kispert

Wizards receive: Jalen Hood-Schifino, Jaxson Hayes, 2025 second-round pick

In this trade scenario, the Los Angeles Lakers would acquire Corey Kispert, a proficient shooter from the Washington Wizards, to enhance their perimeter scoring. Kispert, a 6'7" forward, has demonstrated consistent shooting ability, averaging 9.6 points per game, although in a shooting slump with 36.0% from the field and 24.4% from three-point range. His catch-and-shoot proficiency would provide the Lakers with a reliable floor spacer, alleviating pressure on stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis by creating more room for them to operate.

In return, the Wizards would receive Jalen Hood-Schifino and Jaxson Hayes. Hood-Schifino, a young guard, has averaged 1.6 PPG in limited minutes during the 2023-24 season and has seen only one minute in 2024-25. While his contributions have been modest, his potential as a secondary ball-handler and shot-creator aligns with Washington's focus on developing young talent. Jaxson Hayes has averaged 6.3 points, and 4.6 rebounds in 17 minutes a game. His athleticism and rim-protecting capabilities could address the Wizards' need for interior defense and rebounding.

Including a 2025 second-round pick adds future value for the Wizards as they continue their rebuilding efforts. For the Lakers, parting with Hood-Schifino, Hayes, and a future pick may seem substantial, but acquiring Kispert's shooting prowess addresses a critical need. His ability to stretch the floor would enhance the Lakers' offensive dynamics, providing more spacing and potentially improving their overall efficiency. This trade offers a strategic move to balance the Lakers' roster by adding a dependable shooter, thereby strengthening their bench and supporting their star players.

Bringing Dennis Schroder Back For A Boost

Lakers receive: Dennis Schroder

Nets receive: Gabe Vincent, Cam Reddish, 2027 second-round pick

The Lakers could seriously use Dennis Schroder right now. This season, Schroder’s been balling out with the Nets, putting up 20.1 points and over 6.6 assists per game while shooting an impressive 48.6% from the field. He’s been a reliable scorer and playmaker, something the Lakers desperately need as they try to solidify their bench and backcourt depth.

Meanwhile, D'Angelo Russell hasn’t exactly been lighting it up. He’s averaging just 12.9 points on 40.7% shooting, and his inconsistency has frustrated both fans and the coaching staff. Coach JJ Redick even decided to send DLo to the bench because of his recent struggles, looking for a more dependable option. That’s where Schroder could slide in perfectly; he knows the system, has chemistry with the team, and, most importantly, brings the kind of energy and consistency the Lakers are missing.

Schroder’s had some standout games this season, too. For example, he dropped 33 points on the Grizzlies at the end of October, adding 8 assists in the Nets' 119-106 win. He’s shown he can take over games, and that’s the kind of spark the Lakers need. Imagine Schroder orchestrating the offense with LeBron and Davis out there – it would instantly make them a more balanced team.

The trade package going the other way isn’t too heavy for the Lakers either, since Schroder is an expiring contract this season. The Nets get Gabe Vincent, who’s struggling with just 3.2 points per game on rough shooting splits (31% FG, 19.1% from three), and Cam Reddish, who’s also been inconsistent with 5.8 points. Throw in a 2027 second-round pick, and the Nets get a few assets to play with as they rebuild.

In the end, it’s a win-win: the Lakers get a steady, experienced guard to run the show, and the Nets pick up some younger players and a future pick to work with. This move could give the Lakers the reliable floor general they’ve been missing and help them compete at a higher level in a loaded Western Conference.

Bolstering The Frontcourt With Jonas Valanciunas

Lakers receive: Jonas Valanciunas

Wizards receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Christian Wood

In this trade scenario, the Los Angeles Lakers would acquire Jonas Valanciunas from the Washington Wizards to strengthen their frontcourt presence. Valanciunas has been putting up solid numbers this season, averaging 12.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, shooting an efficient 59.4% from the field. His scoring and rebounding ability would provide the Lakers with a strong, consistent presence in the paint—something they've been missing at the center position.

Interestingly, the Wizards reportedly signed Valanciunas to a three-year, $30 million contract this offseason with the intention of moving him in a trade as the season progresses. This strategy aligns with Washington's rebuilding efforts, making them open to trading the veteran center for players that better fit their long-term plans.

For the Lakers, Valanciunas could fill multiple roles. As a starting center, he would allow Anthony Davis to shift back to his preferred power forward position, reducing the wear and tear on Davis and potentially boosting his performance. Alternatively, if the Lakers wanted to keep Davis at center for certain matchups, Valanciunas could come off the bench, giving them a reliable scoring and rebounding option for the second unit.

In return, the Wizards would receive Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood. Vanderbilt, known for his defensive versatility and high energy, is currently working his way back from injury, but brings intensity and flexibility on defense that would fit well in Washington's schemes. Wood, a more offensively minded big man, is recovering from an offseason procedure, and his ability to stretch the floor would add some much-needed shooting and spacing for the young Wizards.

This trade gives the Lakers the dependable center they need, strengthening their interior defense and rebounding while also freeing Davis to play at the four. For the Wizards, Vanderbilt and Wood bring younger, more versatile assets that align with their rebuilding strategy. Overall, this deal could be a win-win, with Valanciunas adding stability to the Lakers' frontcourt and the Wizards gaining valuable pieces for the future.

A Brand New Bench For The Lakers

The Lakers could make some serious improvements to their roster by shaking up their bench, and here's one trade idea that could really change things up. In this mock trade scenario, the Lakers would send out Jalen Hood-Schifino, Jaxson Hayes, Gabe Vincent, Cam Reddish, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Christian Wood. In return, they’d receive Dennis Schroder, Corey Kispert, and Jonas Valanciunas. These three would bring a lot of what the Lakers need: Schroder’s playmaking and experience, Kispert’s reliable shooting, and Valanciunas’ strength and rebounding inside. This move could give the Lakers a bench with serious depth and versatility.

With these new pieces, the Lakers could stick to their starting lineup of D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis. This lineup allows Davis to play center while LeBron and Hachimura take on the forward roles. Head Coach JJ Redick mentioned before the season that he wanted to run a tight nine-man rotation, and these additions would make that approach more realistic. Schroder would handle the point for the second unit (or start in front of Russell eventually), Kispert would bring floor spacing, and Valanciunas would be the dependable big man off the bench.

The revamped bench would give the Lakers a mix of skills they’ve been missing. Schroder can organize the offense and bring experience, Kispert adds a three-point threat, and Valanciunas provides size and strength in the paint. This nine-man rotation would feature a strong balance of youth and experience, giving the Lakers options depending on matchups. With a bench unit that includes Schroder, Kispert, Dalton Knecht, and Valanciunas, the Lakers would have depth they could rely on, not just players to fill minutes.

Beyond the main rotation, the Lakers would still have young talent like Max Christie, Maxwell Lewis, Christian Koloko, and Bronny James waiting for opportunities. There’s also Quincy Olivari, who surprised many by securing a two-way contract and could be an interesting addition if needed. With this hypothetical roster, Redick would have the flexibility to adapt and get the most out of his players, addressing the Lakers’ need for a reliable bench and giving them the tools to compete in a stacked Western Conference.