The Los Angeles Lakers have made it clear that one of their top priorities this offseason is to shore up their point-of-attack defense. While the addition of Marcus Smart already improved their perimeter defense, the Lakers still need a few more pieces to compete against the likes of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets, who have a battery of All-Defensive guards on their rosters.
One player who could help in that regard is veteran guard Terance Mann, who was a vital cog on the Clippers team that reached the 2021 Western Conference Finals and remained a key part of Ty Lue’s defensive rotations.
This offseason, the Brooklyn Nets acquired Mann from the Atlanta Hawks as part of a deal to acquire additional draft capital. Mann, 28, may not necessarily be a good fit on a Nets team that is expected to tank the 2025-26 season to improve its lottery odds.
How the Lakers Trade Helps
Fadeaway World proposed a Lakers trade that could prove beneficial to all parties involved, including a Nets team that is hungry for expiring contracts.
Lakers would receive: Terance Mann
Nets would receive: Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber, 2032 second-round pick (LAL)
Mann, who is on a budget-friendly contract for three more seasons, could be the perfect fit for a Lakers team that needs more bench depth. As for the Nets, the expiring deals of Vincent and Kleber will help them clear their books for the 2026 offseason.
“Last season, Mann averaged 7.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 36.8% from three,” wrote Eddie Bitar.
“His defensive impact was even more tangible, ranked among the league’s top perimeter stoppers in contest rate and on-ball efficiency. Adding him to a rotation featuring LeBron, Luka, Smart, Ayton, and Reaves offers optimal balance: bench scoring, floor-spacing, and reliable wing defense in high-leverage minutes.”
Mann Can Run the Second Unit
One of the underrated aspects of Mann’s game is his playmaking and ability to run the second unit. During his stint with the Clippers, he was often entrusted with ball-handling duties, especially when Kawhi Leonard and James Harden went to the bench.
In 30 games with the Hawks, he averaged 3.3 assists per 36 minutes, to go with 15.5 points, 4.9 rebounds and elite on-ball defense.
“This is a low-risk acquisition with clear upside,” argued Bitar.
“Mann carries a modest $11.5 million cap hit (under contract until 2027-28) and could slide seamlessly into a role guarding opposing wings or stepping into late-game two-way lineups. For the Lakers, it’s about efficiency, not extravagant star moves. Mann’s hustle and positional flexibility could tip the scales in playoff matchups against switch-heavy teams like OKC, Denver, or Houston.”
The seventh-year guard will definitely be an upgrade over Vincent, who has struggled with injuries in recent years. Most of all, he will provide elite on-ball defense. During the 2024-25 season, he held Heat All-Star Tyler Herro to 14.3% shooting, and also did a number on Celtics star Derrick White, holding him to 20% shooting across two games.
“Mann’s arrival strengthens perimeter defense, enhances spacing, and brings a mature role-player mentality,” wrote Bitar.
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