Lakers Starting Lineup

PG - Luka Doncic

SG - Austin Reaves

SF - Zach Lavine

PF - Lebron James

C - DeAndre Ayton ( FA signing

Lakers could also look to secure Damian Lillard for a bargain in Free agency and help him with his recovery to potentially unleash him for playoffs

Trade details

Pros for Kings

1. Defensive Identity & Depth

Jarred Vanderbilt and Maxi Kleber bring high-level defensive versatility.

Vanderbilt is an elite wing defender who can switch and rebound.

Kleber adds rim protection and stretch-4/5 capabilities—valuable behind or alongside Sabonis.

This gives Sacramento much-needed defensive balance to offset their offensive-heavy rotation.

2. Frontcourt Flexibility With Hachimura and Kleber, the Kings get two forwards who can play multiple positions.

Hachimura provides size, scoring, and mid-range shooting.

Kleber opens spacing with his 3-point shot and defends bigs well—potentially valuable in playoff matchups.

3. Veteran Experience Without Heavy Contracts Players like Vincent and Kleber come with reasonable contracts and playoff experience.

Vincent, while coming off an injury-plagued season, was crucial in Miami’s 2023 Finals run.

All incoming contracts (except Hachimura) are either modest or have team-friendly structures, maintaining cap flexibility.

4. Avoiding the Zach LaVine Contract Risk By not committing to LaVine's long-term, high-cost deal (~$40M annually through 2027), the Kings:

Avoid financial inflexibility.

Preserve flexibility to retool around DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis.

Limit risk tied to LaVine’s injury history and inconsistent impact.

5. Culture and Role Fit The Kings already have a high-powered offense. Adding defensive-minded, team-first players might work

Pros for Lakers

Acquiring a True Scoring Star Zach LaVine is a dynamic, 2-time All-Star guard with elite offensive tools

Career averages: ~20+ PPG, high efficiency (when healthy), 3-level scoring.

Provides needed scoring punch next to LeBron and Luka, relieving offensive pressure.

Fits well in a transition-heavy, pace-and-space system with his athleticism and shot creation.

2. Creating a More Potent Perimeter Attack The Lakers struggled with half-court creation and perimeter scoring in 2023–24.

LaVine and Terence Davis both offer off-the-dribble creation and 3-point shooting, areas where the Lakers were below league average.

Keon Ellis, though young, is a developing 3-and-D guard who fits a modern backcourt rotation.

3. Maximizing LeBron's Championship Window With LeBron in the final stages of his career, adding a proven scorer like LaVine is a “win-now” move.

Helps reduce LeBron’s offensive burden.

Gives the team a third scoring star for deeper playoff runs, especially when Davis misses time or is doubled.

This move shows a commitment to aggressive title contention.

4. Offloading Injured or Underperforming Role Players Gabe Vincent missed most of the 2023–24 season and didn’t perform up to expectations.

Jarred Vanderbilt has been injury-prone and limited offensively.

Rui Hachimura is a good offensive player but lacks consistency and high-end defense.

Maxi Kleber (if part of the deal) is aging and somewhat redundant.

By consolidating these inconsistent or overlapping role players, the Lakers gain one high-impact piece and two serviceable guards.

5. Reigniting the Lakers' Brand Appeal LaVine is a marketable, explosive talent. His presence adds star power and commercial appeal, increasing ticket sales, jersey revenue, and national TV relevance.

Adds buzz without giving up first-round picks in this scenario.