The Los Angeles Lakers have won seven straight games after they defeated the Pelicans on the final day of November. They haven’t had LeBron James for the entirety of that run, which makes it even more impressive.
Still, the Lakers have some holes in the roster that they need to fill. With James back in the lineup, they need to maximize the use of his talent. Bleacher Report has a trade proposal that would add a sharpshooter to the mix, as well as a much better backup center.
In return, the Lakers would ship out an oft-injured player and someone they have been trying to trade since last season.
GettyINGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 29: Klay Thompson #31 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrates the three point basket during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome on November 29, 2025 in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Lakers Get Better in Recent Bleacher Report Trade Proposal
Here is the full trade proposal:
Dallas Mavericks Receive:
- PG LaMelo Ball (from Hornets)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive:
- G/F Klay Thompson (from Mavs)
- C Daniel Gafford (from Mavs)
Charlotte Hornets Receive:
- SG Max Christie (from Mavs)
- F Rui Hachimura (from Lakers)
- F Dalton Knecht (from Lakers)
- PG Gabe Vincent (from Lakers)
- 2029 first-round pick (unprotected via Lakers from Mavericks)
Los Angeles would trade two expiring contracts in Hachimura and Vincent, two of their best trade assets. Vincent has hardly been healthy since coming to the Lakers, so they wouldn’t miss him. Hachimura would be missed, as his 3-point shooting makes him a weapon.
Knecht is someone that the Lakers tried to trade away already, but the Mark Williams trade was rescinded. Adding a first-round pick might be a lot, but Gafford is worth the price. He adds a level of rim protection that Deandre Ayton does not have at the center position.
Adding Thompson gives them a sharpshooter off the bench who can still hit open threes. He’d have many more options for open threes playing alongside Luka Doncic. Defensively, Thompson wouldn’t help, but they could hide him.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 28: Daniel Gafford #21 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots the ball over Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter at Crypto.com Arena on November 28, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Lakers Could Make a Move at the Trade Deadline
This is one of the final years that LA will have James on the roster. He is a free agent at the end of the year, and he could go to another team or retire. It’s unclear what the future of Austin Reaves looks like. He is having a career year, and he might be too expensive to retain.
Even if Los Angeles doesn’t make this specific trade, they will likely be making some calls at the trade deadline in February.
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