Under new head coach JJ Redick, the 5-4 Lakers appeared to have found their form early in the season but have since lost their last several games. Poor performance from role players and, of course, Anthony Davis’ early injury are the same problems. The Lakers may be in a position to make a major investment in building around LeBron James and Anthony Davis because they cannot afford to have faith in their supporting players.
The Lakers might put together a compelling trade package to acquire superstar Damian Lillard, and we have a plan that could demonstrate what it can look like in order to offer the Milwaukee Bucks a new beginning while forming a Big Three.
How Can We Make This Trade?
It would take some careful negotiating to make this transaction given the Lakers’ budgetary limitations. The Milwaukee Bucks are currently teetering above the even more restrictive second luxury tax apron, while the Lakers are currently above the first apron, which restricts their spending options. Due to rigorous salary constraints for both teams, each deal must precisely comply with pay-matching regulations in order to prevent additional sanctions.
The Lakers’ front office can use their imagination in this situation. Teams above the first and second aprons are subject to several restrictions set down in the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Any deal including Lillard would need to be carefully crafted, with the outgoing salaries matching the entering ones, as neither side is able to take on more compensation in a trade.
The Lakers would need to adopt the strategy lately employed by the Knicks, Timberwolves, and Hornets—signing existing players to team-friendly contracts that may then be combined in a trade—in order to do this. Now let’s take a closer look at the player compensation figures.
MarJon Beauchamp is earning $2,733,720 this season, while Damian Lillard is earning $48,787,676. To make the numbers work, the Lakers are sending Max Christie ($7,142,857), Jarred Vanderbilt ($10,714,286), Austin Reaves ($12,976,362), and D’Angelo Russell ($18,692,307). To complete this transaction, the team would have to pay Fenerbahce $2,709,870 to sign Mays, a price the point guard would be willing to accept.
In exchange, what do the Bucks receive?
Damian Lillard’s trade would be challenging for the Bucks, but it might help them with some urgent roster needs. They would get D’Angelo Russell, a seasoned scorer and facilitator who can stretch the floor with his shooting and manage point guard responsibilities. So far this season, Russell is averaging 12.7 points and 5.4 assists per game, with a three-point shooting percentage of 30.8%. Although he isn’t playing at his best right now, he did finish the previous season with 18.0 points and 6.3 assists per game, and he might provide Giannis Antetokounmpo with another perimeter threat. Giannis would be able to play more off the ball thanks to his ability to lead the offense, which would give Milwaukee more options for their schemes.
Austin Reaves showed promise as a starter last season and during the Lakers’ 2023 playoff push. He is a smart playmaker and defender in addition to being a skilled shooter, hitting 37.5% from beyond the arc this season. Reaves, who averages 17.8 points and 5.1 assists per game, is also playing well. He would provide the Bucks a dynamic two-way option and help them maintain their competitive edge in the Eastern Conference with his rugged play style and willingness to step up in crucial situations.
The Bucks would also acquire Max Christie and Jarred Vanderbilt, two reliable bench players who both bring youth and defensive vigor. Vanderbilt’s unwavering energy, ability to rebound, and defensive adaptability could help cover the void created by Jrue Holiday’s exit.
Austin Reaves showed promise as a starter last season and during the Lakers’ 2023 playoff push. He is a smart playmaker and defender in addition to being a skilled shooter, hitting 37.5% from beyond the arc this season. Reaves, who averages 17.8 points and 5.1 assists per game, is also playing well. He would provide the Bucks a dynamic two-way option and help them maintain their competitive edge in the Eastern Conference with his rugged play style and willingness to step up in crucial situations.
The Bucks would also acquire Max Christie and Jarred Vanderbilt, two reliable bench players who both bring youth and defensive vigor. Due to his unwavering energy, ability to rebound, and defensive adaptability, Vanderbilt may be able to fill the void created by Jrue Holiday’s departure.
Christie has demonstrated promise as a perimeter defender and sniper, despite his further development. Milwaukee also gains a key future asset with the addition of a 2029 first-round selection, which gives them the freedom to rebuild or trade for other components later on. The Bucks would gain youth, depth, and flexibility from this acquisition, safeguarding their competitiveness and future planning.
In the Western Conference, the Lakers form a formidable Big Three.
The Lakers will have one of the strongest trios in recent NBA history if they can complete this transaction. With an amazing 36.9% shooting percentage from outside the arc and an average of 27.3 points and 6.7 assists per game this season, Damian Lillard provides immediate firepower. “Dame Time” would give the Lakers a late-game boost to relieve LeBron James, who at 39 can now concentrate on facilitating and controlling the tempo without having to shoulder as much scoring burden. James is known for his clutch exploits.
The Lakers would be a nightmare to play against if Lillard joined a team that already had LeBron and Anthony Davis. To go along with Davis’ powerful interior presence, LeBron, a four-time MVP and one of the league’s top passers, would have a trustworthy scoring partner in Lillard. AD is still a top-tier two-way danger, as evidenced by his incredible season-long average of 32.4 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game. The Lakers could run several offensive sets with Lillard on board, combining inside domination with perimeter shooting in a way that few opponents could match.
In addition to his ability to score, Lillard’s leadership and high-stakes game experience would improve the Lakers’ postseason readiness. His longevity and shooting ability are demonstrated by the fact that he is one of just ten players in NBA history to have made more than 2,000 three-pointers in their career. The Lakers would be strong title candidates thanks to LeBron’s and AD’s championship history, as well as Lillard’s capacity to perform well under duress. A Big Three of Lillard, LeBron, and Davis might finally give the Lakers the advantage they need to contend with elite teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, and Denver Nuggets in a Western Conference that is brimming with talent.
