The Los Angeles Lakers are eyeing a return to glory in the 2024-25 season, and to do that, they need some elite shooters. Here are three deadly marksmen they should consider targeting in a trade.

As the 2024-25 NBA season approaches, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in need of some serious firepower from beyond the arc. Despite making key moves in the offseason, including re-signing LeBron James and adding some youth to the roster through the Draft, the Lakers still lack the consistent three-point shooting that’s crucial in today’s NBA. With trade opportunities on the horizon, LA must focus on bringing in players who can knock down shots from deep and open up the floor for their stars. Let’s take a look at three shooters who could be the perfect fit for the Lakers as they aim to make a deep playoff run.

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1. Bogdan Bogdanovic

Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

Potential Trade Offer To The Atlanta Hawks: Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino

Bogdan Bogdanovic had an exceptional 2023-24 NBA season, reaffirming his place as one of the league’s elite shooters. He averaged 16.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, shooting an impressive 42.8% from the field and 37.6% from three-point range. These numbers highlight his scoring efficiency and ability to stretch the floor, making him an ideal target for a Lakers team that has struggled with consistency from beyond the arc.

But Bogdanovic’s contributions go beyond just his NBA performance. He was a standout for Serbia during the 2024 Paris Olympics, leading his national team to a bronze medal. Bogdanovic averaged 18.3 points per game throughout the tournament, showing his ability to perform on the biggest stage. His leadership and scoring prowess were on full display, particularly in a crucial quarterfinal game where he dropped 30 points, ensuring Serbia’s advancement. This international experience adds another layer of value to a player who has proven he can handle high-pressure situations.

The Atlanta Hawks, however, are in a period of significant transition. After a disappointing 2023-24 season, the team decided to move towards a full rebuild. This shift became evident when they traded Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans, signaling that the franchise is prioritizing long-term growth over immediate success. The trade of Murray, who was one of Atlanta’s core players, indicates that no veteran on the roster is untouchable, including Bogdanovic.

Atlanta’s decision to rebuild is also driven by the need to develop their younger talent. The Hawks have several promising young players who require more playing time and opportunities to grow. By moving on from established veterans like Bogdanovic, Atlanta can fully commit to their youth movement, allowing players like Zaccharie Risacher, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu to take on larger roles. This strategy aligns with the modern NBA trend of teams embracing youth and athleticism in pursuit of a more sustainable future.

For the Hawks, trading Bogdanovic isn’t just about clearing cap space or acquiring assets—it’s about creating a clear path for the development of their young core. With Bogdanovic still playing at a high level, he could command valuable returns in the trade market, particularly from a team like the Lakers, who are in win-now mode. The Lakers’ offer of Rui Hachimura and Jalen Hood-Schifino could be exactly what the Hawks need. Hachimura is a versatile forward who has shown flashes of potential, while Hood-Schifino, a promising rookie, could develop into a key piece for Atlanta’s future.

Ultimately, moving Bogdanovic could be mutually beneficial for both the Hawks and the Lakers. Atlanta would get younger and acquire assets that align with their long-term goals, while the Lakers would gain a sharpshooter who can immediately contribute to their championship aspirations. The Hawks’ willingness to part with Bogdanovic reflects a broader strategy of building for the future, making this a trade that makes sense for both sides.

2. CJ McCollum

Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

Potential Trade Offer To The New Orleans Pelicans: Austin Reaves, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt

CJ McCollum continued to showcase his scoring prowess during the 2023-24 season with the New Orleans Pelicans, where he averaged 20.0 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game. His efficiency was evident, as he shot an impressive 45.9% from the field and 42.9% from beyond the arc. McCollum’s ability to score efficiently from all areas of the court, coupled with his veteran experience, makes him an intriguing target for the Lakers, who are looking to add more firepower around LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

However, McCollum’s fit in New Orleans may be more complicated with the recent addition of Dejounte Murray. Murray, who excels as a ball handler and playmaker, may reduce McCollum’s role on the team, particularly in terms of handling the ball and initiating the offense. This could potentially diminish McCollum’s impact, as he thrives when he can create his own shot and dictate the pace of the game. With Murray now in the fold, the Pelicans might find themselves with an excess of ball handlers, which could lead them to explore trade options for McCollum.

The Pelicans are also facing a significant financial decision with Brandon Ingram set to hit free agency next summer. Retaining Ingram will likely require a substantial financial commitment, and the Pelicans might be looking to create some salary cap flexibility. Trading McCollum, whose contract is sizable, could be a strategic move to free up cap space, making it easier to re-sign Ingram without pushing the team too deep into luxury tax territory.

Moreover, the Pelicans might prefer to bring in younger players who can either contribute immediately or be used as trade assets down the line. The proposed package from the Lakers—Austin Reaves, Gabe Vincent, and Jarred Vanderbilt—offers New Orleans a mix of youth, versatility, and potential. Reaves has shown significant growth and could become a key piece for the Pelicans, while Vincent and Vanderbilt provide depth and defensive versatility. These players could also be valuable trade assets if the Pelicans decide to make further moves during the season.

For the Lakers, acquiring McCollum would address their need for a reliable third scorer and a proven shooter. McCollum’s ability to play off the ball and knock down threes at a high rate would complement LeBron and AD perfectly. Unlike in New Orleans, where he might have to share the ball more with Murray, McCollum would have a clear role in Los Angeles as a primary perimeter threat and secondary playmaker, reducing the offensive load on James and Davis.

Furthermore, McCollum’s experience and leadership would be invaluable to a Lakers team with championship aspirations. His playoff experience, combined with his consistent scoring ability, would make him a key piece in the Lakers’ quest to contend for another title. By bringing in McCollum, the Lakers would not only add a dynamic scorer but also a veteran presence who understands the pressure of playing in high-stakes games.

3. Khris Middleton

Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Potential Trade Offer To The Milwaukee Bucks: D’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, Cam Reddish

Khris Middleton had a challenging 2023-24 season with the Milwaukee Bucks, which saw a decline in his overall performance. Playing in 55 games, Middleton averaged 15.1 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game. His shooting efficiency also took a hit, as he shot 43.6% from the field and 34.9% from beyond the arc. These numbers represent a drop from his previous All-Star levels and have raised concerns about his value relative to his contract, especially considering his role as the third option on a team led by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.

For the Bucks, Middleton’s contract is becoming a significant financial burden, particularly as they continue to pay top dollar for their star players. With the addition of Lillard, Middleton’s role on the team has shifted, and he may no longer be the best fit as the third star. His hefty contract, combined with a diminishing role, makes him a prime candidate for a trade, especially if Milwaukee wants to avoid exceeding the luxury tax’s second apron next season.

Trading Middleton to the Lakers for a package that includes D’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, and Cam Reddish could be a win-win for both teams. Russell, on an expiring contract, offers Milwaukee the flexibility they need to manage their salary cap effectively. By moving Middleton, the Bucks could potentially dip below the second apron, giving them more financial freedom in future seasons. Additionally, Vincent would provide Milwaukee with a solid defensive point guard who can fill the role left by Patrick Beverley, while Reddish, a young and versatile forward, could develop in a less pressure-packed environment.

For the Lakers, acquiring Middleton would be a strategic move to strengthen their backcourt and add more veteran experience. With Middleton in the lineup, the Lakers could shift Austin Reaves to the point guard position, creating a formidable backcourt pairing with Middleton. His ability to score, especially from mid-range, would complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis, providing the Lakers with another reliable scoring option. Moreover, Middleton’s playoff experience and his ability to perform in clutch situations would be invaluable for a team with championship aspirations.

Milwaukee’s roster is currently heavy with veterans, and adding younger players like Reddish, along with the expiring contract of Russell, could help balance their team as they look to build for both the present and future. Middleton’s departure would allow the Bucks to recalibrate their lineup, focusing on a more dynamic and financially sustainable roster around Giannis and Lillard.

In summary, trading Khris Middleton makes sense for the Bucks as they navigate the financial challenges of maintaining a championship-caliber team. For the Lakers, Middleton’s addition could be the missing piece that enhances their perimeter scoring and strengthens their championship bid in the 2024-25 season.

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Source: The Wall Street Journal