With a deal for Kyrie Irving far from certain, Rob Pelinka and the Lakers can still grab one of three stars to strengthen the team this offseason.
It’s pretty clear LeBron James wants the Lakers to bring Kyrie Irving to Los Angeles this offseason. It’s also pretty clear that making that move happen is a tall task.
While Irving will be the ultimate goal, LA still needs to explore all their available options to make this squad a championship contender with the clock ticking on James’ career.
What kinds of trades could be out there if the Irving plan isn’t possible?
Lakers: 3 stars Rob Pelinka can trade for not named Kyrie Irving
Eric Gordon
He’s been termed a “Plan B” for the Lakers, but Eric Gordon could still be a trade target capable of making a difference for the team in 2022-23.
The guard has spent the last six years with the Rockets after time with the Clippers and Hornets. This past season, he shot .412 percent from beyond the arc, making him a three-point presence LA would certainly covet.
The tough part, as is so often the case, would be getting the deal done. The Rockets reportedly want a high draft pick for Gordon, possibly even a first-rounder. If push comes to shove, the Lakers could be desperate enough to pay that price.
Buddy Hield
The Lakers have been linked to Buddy Hield before, and with their hopes of landing Irving stalling, it’s no surprise to see Hield’s name come up again.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the Pacers and Lakers are rumored to have “reengaged” trade talks over Hield.
It sounds like Indiana could be interested in buying out Russell Westbrook’s contract, which they have cap room for. Myles Turner could also be involved. However, the Pacers wouldn’t do that as charity. The Lakers have first-round draft picks that their trade partner would surely have an eye on.
The Pacers could also target Talen Horton-Tucker as a make-weight.
If a trade got done, Los Angeles would be happy to welcome Hield as a three-point specialist. He averaged 18.2 points after joining the Pacers for 26 games, shooting 44.7 percent from the field. He’s a career 39.8 percent shooter from three-point distance.
Julius Randle
The Knicks are one of the top suitors for Donovan Mitchell, but to get that big of a deal done, they probably will need help. That’s where the Lakers and Julius Randle come in.
Marc Stein reported that the Knicks would be open to trading Randle to Los Angeles if they can get the Mitchell deal done with Utah.
A Randle-for-Russell Westbrook swap could reset the Lakers in terms of internal drama. In Randle, they’d get a strong rebounder and scorer who could help relieve the attention paid to Anthony Davis, his former Pelicans teammate, and LeBron James. He’s not a liability on defense, either.
He’s developed into a solid player since his first four years playing for Los Angeles, averaging 21.3 points, 10 rebounds and 4.8 assists since joining the Knicks in 2019. And at his best, he’s an All-Star level playmaker.