The Brooklyn Nets are reportedly putting veterans like Dennis Schröder on the trade block. The Lakers have been unable to make any moves this offseason either due to uncertainty surrounding the impact of the investment or fear of overpaying for average talent. The Nets firesale presents an opportunity for the Lakers to do a low-risk, high-reward trade.
As with any firesale, the Lakers will do well to inquire about who’s a no-go and who’s on the table. A highly impressive prospect like Day’Ron Sharpe could be available on the rebuilding Nets. This opens an opportunity for the Los Angeles Lakers to address critical weaknesses, especially with Schroder and Sharpe being ideal targets for the team’s current needs. Let’s examine why the Lakers should consider acquiring both Schroder and Sharpe.
Lakers Should Have Clear Targets in Nets ‘Firesale’
Schroder’s Two-Way Value for the Lakers
Schroder is a proven two-way guard who can fill multiple roles. Whether starting as a point-of-attack defender or coming off the bench as the play initiator, Schroder delivers. According to craftedNBA.com, Schroder excelled as a defender and ball-handler, making him valuable for teams needing versatility. Last season, he showcased his defensive abilities, locking down opponents while initiating offense effectively. His speed, defensive instincts, and ball-handling make him a solid addition for the Lakers.
The Lakers struggled last season with consistent bench scoring, the ranked third-worst in the league. With the departure of Spencer Dinwiddie in free agency, there’s a shortage of reliable Ball-handling on the Lakers. Schroder provides both. His ability to attack the rim and hit clutch shots adds depth to their offense, while his defense helps cover the team’s point-of-attack issues. When Jarred Vanderbilt struggled with injuries last year, the Lakers lacked a dependable defender to guard quick point guards. Schroder fills that gap.
Schroder’s ability to fit seamlessly into various lineups is crucial for the Lakers. His low-risk contract ($13.0 million) makes him an ideal target. The Lakers could use him as a ball-handler behind D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves. Additionally, Schroder brings playoff experience, having played key roles on several competitive teams, including the Lakers in the 2020-2021 season. As a former Laker, he’s familiar with dealing with the additional pressure that comes with donning the purple and gold. He’s also familiar with playing alongside LeBron James. That can’t be overstated.
Day’Ron Sharpe’s Fit as a Bruising Big
Sharpe fits the mold of a bruising big man the Lakers need. At 6-foot-11 and 265 lbs, Sharpe provides a physical presence inside the paint. His rebounding, shot-blocking, and physicality make him an excellent complement to Anthony Davis. According to BBall-Index.com, Sharpe posted a 0.61 LEBRON rating, demonstrating his effectiveness as a bench player for the 32-win Brooklyn Nets. His strength and athleticism allow him to be a rim protector and a relentless rebounder.
Last season, the Lakers lacked a true big man behind Anthony Davis. Adding Sharpe could fill that void, allowing Davis to play more freely without having to constantly take on the bruising duties. Sharpe would give the Lakers depth and a reliable backup center who can defend in the post, grab rebounds, and set hard screens to free up shooters like Reaves and Russell. Sharpe is in the last year of his 4 year, $10.3 million deal. Extremely low risk for the upside he could provide.
A Lakers and Nets Trade Proposal: Low Risk, High Reward
Lakers Acquire: Dennis Schroder, Day’Ron Sharpe
Nets Acquire: Gabe Vincent, Max Christie, a 2026 Pick Swap, two future second-round picks
The Lakers should look to acquire both Schroder and Sharpe from the Nets in a trade centered around Vincent, Christie, and a pick swap in 2026. Vincent, while a decent backup guard, doesn’t offer the same versatility and defensive presence as Schroder. Christie is still a 21-year-old 6-foot-6 shooting guard and could be a valuable asset for the rebuilding Nets. Christie is currently unable to change teams because of a recently signed restriction. That will expire on October 4th. The 2026 pick swap sweetens the deal, allowing the Lakers to acquire two players who fit their immediate needs while keeping their core intact. The kicker for the Nets is by 2026 the Lakers could be on the decline and end up being in the lottery while the Nets could be on the rise.
This trade provides the Lakers with two players who fill key roles. Schroder strengthens their perimeter defense and gives them another ball-handler. Sharpe gives the Lakers the bruising big man they need to support Davis. Both players provide high upside with relatively low risk, making them ideal targets for a contending team like the Lakers. By capitalizing on the Nets’ fire sale, the Lakers could solve two of their most pressing issues with a trade.
