LA Lakers Trade Targets: 3 Underrated Moves to Bolster Depth Amid Injuries

The LA Lakers are off to a respectable 3-2 start in the 2025-26 NBA season. LA would have preferred a better run had it not been for injuries. LeBron James is out until at least mid-November with sciatica. Meanwhile, Gabe Vincent could be out for a month with an ankle injury, rookie Adou Thiero has a knee issue and Maxi Kleber has an oblique ailment.

Luka Doncic has also missed a brief stretch, sitting out three games with left finger and left leg contact injuries. Marcus Smart and Jaxson Hayes have been the other absentees, two and three games, respectively.

Nevertheless, Austin Reaves and the rest of the team have steadied things this past week despite the injuries. It didn't mask the fact that the Lakers' roster depth isn't where it should be. In the non-Reaves minutes (in Doncic's absence), LA couldn't generate any offense. The defense on the perimeter remains murky in James and Smart's absences.

The LA Lakers need significant help, but their willingness to offload major assets to get there remains unclear. For now, assuming their preference remains to retain draft capital and their most tradeable player, Rui Hachimura, here are three underrated moves LA can pursue.

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3 Under-the-Radar Trade Targets the LA Lakers Must Pursue

*Editor's note: The following mock trades are separate suggestions.

#3 Kyle Anderson and Kevin Love

Utah Jazz forward Kyle Anderson (Image Source: IMAGN)

Kyle Anderson and Kevin Love landed on the Utah Jazz in the three-team trade with the Heat and the Clippers in July. The veterans aren't remotely in Utah's plans as the franchise continues committing to a rebuild and, at some point, would look to offload their contracts. The LA Lakers can monitor the situation and consider adding the frontcourt duo.

Anderson is a versatile defender who can be servicable against smaller players. He's also a playmaking wing who can shoulder some of the burden off the bench. LA currently lacks that with its second unit, especially among the forwards.

As for Love, he's not been a significant on-court contributor since last season. Nevertheless, it never hurts to have a veteran locker room presence, especially someone with a storied past as LeBron James' teammate, who can hold him and other stars accountable.

The LA Lakers can offload Maxi Kleber's expiring $11.0 million and 2024 first-round pick Dalton Knecht in this trade. Kleber's injuries have kept him off the court, and it may affect his playing time in LA, while Knecht hasn't shown enough promise in his second year.

#2 Ochai Agbaji

Toronto Raptors guard Ochai Agbaji (Image Source: Imagn)

Ochai Agbaji has fallen out of favor on the Toronto Raptors amid their stacked guard rotation. Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, Gradey Dick and Jamal Shead are all ahead of him in the pecking order, leading to a drastic reduction in his minutes (14.6 per game).

Agbaji is also in the final year of his contract, making $6.3 million, making him an affordable trade target. At the moment, his value isn't what it was at the last trade deadline. Agbaji averaged a career-high 10.4 points last season, shooting 39.9% from 3. However, this year, he has scored 3.4 ppg, while shooting a meager 12.5% from 3.

Ochai Agbaji's numbers seem concerning, but they can improve alongside premier offensive talents like Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and LeBron James.

Toronto might sell at the deadline if it remains far from playoff contention. The LA Lakers can inquire about a trade and offload Maxi Kleber, along with the 2032 second-round pick, as compensation. LA has to take on AJ Lawson's $2.2 million contract to ease off the Raptors' books, who take a $2.3 million hit on their salary cap.

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#1 Klay Thompson

Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson (L) takes on LA Lakers' Luka Doncic (R) (Image Source: IMAGN)

Klay Thompson isn't off to the best start for the Dallas Mavericks. He joined the team last year in hopes of contending for a championship, but Dallas traded the biggest reason, Luka Doncic, who may have motivated Thompson to join the team.

In his second season, Thompson has managed only 8.2 points on 31.3% shooting, including 25.9% from 3. Dallas continues to force-feed Cooper Flagg at the point guard lineups, which has impacted everyone's contributions on the roster.

A change of scenery closer to his home with the LA Lakers and opportunities alongside Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James can rejuvenate Klay Thompson.

At 35, Thompson's trade value isn't getting any better. Dallas, on the other hand, would prefer to move on from the remaining of his $34.2 million contract for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons.

The Lakers were interested in him last offseason in free agency, but Thompson chose Dallas over a homecoming. LA can get back into the mix by offering the Mavericks what they need, which is more depth at the point guard position.

Gabe Vincent is an ideal candidate to offload here. He's owed $11.5 million this season in the final year of his deal, giving the Dallas Mavericks enough reason to accept this framework. Dalton Knecht will be the other asset involved from the LA Lakers' side to complete the trade.