The Lakers had many issues on both ends of the floor in their postseason loss to the Timberwolves, including their paltry three-point shooting.
In five games against Minnesota, Los Angeles shot 35.1% from deep, converting on 13.6 threes per outing from 38.8 attempts. The only player to shoot above 40% from three — Rui Hachimura — did so mainly because of the lack of defensive pressure from the Timberwolves, who picked their poison by leaving him wide open.
Others such as Luka Doncic (34.8%), LeBron James (35.7%), Austin Reaves (31.9%) and Dorian Finney-Smith (36.8%) all struggled to find their range from deep.
In light of their struggles, Fadeaway World proposed a Lakers trade that would see the team acquire veteran sharpshooter Duncan Robinson from the Miami Heat.
Lakers would receive: Duncan Robinson
Heat would receive: Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber, 2025 No. 55 Overall Pick
How Robinson Can Help Lakers
Robinson, a career 40% shooter from three, made 2.6 threes per game in the 2024-25 season, and 2.8 shots from deep a year before. His consistent marksmanship would instantly improve the Lakers’ floor spacing, providing them with a reliable shooter.
“Adding Robinson offers the Lakers a floor-spacer who excels in LeBron-Luka pick-and-pop actions, and it comes at a low cost if he opts out,” wrote Eddie Bitar.
“While not a two-way force, his off-ball gravity helps reduce paint collapses, freeing up lanes for drives and kick-outs. A trade swapping Vincent, Kleber, and a second-rounder could net LA a veteran threat without mortgaging rotational depth.”
Robinson also has a lot of big-game experience, having played key roles in the Heat’s run to the NBA Finals in 2020 and 2023. In 2020, he averaged an impressive 3.0 threes per game from 21 playoff games, while averaging a total of 11.7 points and 1.8 assists. In 2023, he once again proved his worth by draining 2.2 threes in 23 playoff contests.
Other Lakers Trade Options For Shooters
With Doncic and James seemingly more comfortable playing next to veteran players, Robinson would fit the bill.
Besides Robinson, other three-point shooters the Lakers could target include Luke Kennard, Naz Reid, Gary Trent Jr., Tim Hardaway Jr. and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Among those names, Kennard and Trent Jr. would likely be the easiest to acquire, given that they’re both unrestricted free agents and not expected to command a high salary.
Kennard, a perennial catch-and-shoot threat, could potentially thrive next to James and Doncic.
“Kennard’s motion off-ball and high-level shooting would slot neatly next to LA’s stars,” wrote Bitar.
“He can stretch the floor in baseline actions, spot-up in duels, and serve as a mid-range safety valve when defenses ignore him. If the Lakers land him on a team-friendly deal, Kennard offers steady returns in minutes and efficiency, plus a young veteran vibe that blends well into a competitive mix.”
Kennard shot an impressive 43.3% from three in the 2024-25 season for the Grizzlies, while posting 8.9 points and 3.3 assists per game.
The Lakers are expected to use their taxpayer midlevel exception (projected at $5.7M) to sign either a backup center or a veteran sharpshooter. Trent Jr., who had a good season with the Bucks, is another player who fits the latter criteria.
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