The Lakers continue to remain connected to big names on the trade market in this rollercoaster of a season. With a 20-21 record midway through 2023-24, it remains clear they need reinforcements to help with their rough shooting percentages. The Athletic’s 2024 Trade Board suggested some more veterans who fit the build—and LA is familiar with all of them.
Lakers Rumors: Three Sharpshooters LA Could Trade For
Bogdan Bogdanovic
Sixth-year guard Bogdan Bogdanovic ranks ninth on Sam Vicenie’s trade board, and he’s given the Lakers problems from Sacramento to Atlanta. This year, Bogdanovic is putting up nearly 17 points per game on 42% shooting from the field and 36% from distance. He put on an offensive clinic in December, scoring at least 20 points in six games—including a 40-point outburst against the Nuggets on Dec. 11.
At 6-foot-6, Bogdanovic has the frame to shoot the lights out. He’s leading Atlanta in both three-point makes per game (3.4) and attempts (9.2). He’s also fourth on the team in three-point percentage. The veteran scores 7.8 points per game on catch-and-shoot jumpers—only third behind Lauri Markkanen (9.3) and Klay Thompson (9.0). Bogdanovic’s ability to get hot in a hurry and succeed off the bench can help the Lakers immensely, especially when it comes to shooting off the catch. Acquiring him may not be an easy task, considering his $18.7 million salary and LA’s focus on his teammate, Dejounte Murray. Still, the prospect of getting him and Murray in a major move cannot be denied.
Malcolm Brogdon
The reigning Sixth Man of the Year could once again fall onto LA’s radar for bench help. Malcolm Brogdon is averaging 14.7 points and 5.1 assists per game on .432/.417/.775 splits. Though he has a concerning injury history, Brogdon has still been productive for Portland. He put up a season-high 29 points (10/19 FG and 6/8 3PT) against the Spurs in December. He followed that up with a 28-point performance—again vs. San Antonio—on 9/18 shooting from the field and 5/7 from deep.
At 31, Brogdon is proving that he can still contribute to a young Blazers squad. He’s fifth on the team in scoring and fourth in threes made per game (2.1). Brogdon, who is on a two-year, $45 million extension, may not be the big name Lakers fans are hoping for. However, he is still a viable option to help the team’s rotation.
Gary Trent Jr.
Finally, the Lakers could circle back and attempt to land Raptors guard/wing Gary Trent Jr. In 35 games, he’s averaged 11.3 points per game on 41% shooting from the field and 40% from the perimeter. He is two years removed from the best scoring output of his career—18.3 points per game on .414/.383/.853 splits—but has remained effective in his bench role. GTJ scored 22 points in 34 minutes off the bench against the Hornets. He also put up a season-high 24 points (8/16 FG, 6/9 3PT) against the Pistons on Dec. 30—one of five starts he’s made this season.
Trent has clearly grown comfortable with coming off the bench, and the arrival of RJ Barrett suggests he could stay there for the foreseeable future. However, at 24 years old, he’d thrive for the Lakers instead of the rebuilding Raptors. His versatility at the two or three would make for a seamless transition next to LeBron, Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves. Trent Jr., like Bogdanovic and Brogdon, can also shoot well off the catch, posting 5.1 points per game. The Lakers have been able to maximize most of their young talent this season. Adding Trent Jr. to the equation only helps their cause.
