Top 5 Players LA Lakers Should Target in a Trade or Buyout As Bench Averages League-Worst 24.2 PPG

The LA Lakers are currently tied for second place in the Western Conference, but they are certainly not without flaws. The team's bench is one glaring area for improvement, as it is dead last in the league in terms of scoring production at 24.2 points per game.

It's imperative, then, for the Lakers front office to beef up the bench as the team looks towards another playoff run. Fortunately for them, there are a number of scorers in the league that the Lakers can acquire through a trade or a buyout.

Top 5 players LA Lakers should target in a trade or buyout

CJ McCollum

NBA: Washington Wizards at Philadelphia 76ers - Source: Imagn

Not too long ago, CJ McCollum used to be part of one of the most dynamic backcourts in the Western Conference. Though injuries have slowed down McCollum over the past few seasons, the Washington Wizards guard is still a viable buyout target, as he's averaging 18.6 points per game on 44.2% shooting from the field.

Nikola Vucevic

Chicago Bulls v Utah Jazz - Source: Getty

Another buyout prospect would be Nikola Vucevic, a two-time All-Star who last tasted playoff action in 2022. A move to Tinseltown could inspire Vucevic to produce more than his current 15.9 points per outing, his lowest scoring average in eight years.

Malik Monk

Memphis Grizzlies v Sacramento Kings - Source: Getty

The Sacramento Kings are frequently in a rebuilding mode, and Malik Monk might find himself on the move sooner or later. The nine-year pro is a serviceable scorer that can provide relief minutes for Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

Cam Thomas

NBA: Brooklyn Nets at Houston Rockets - Source: Imagn

One young talent that hasn't quite gotten the chance to shine is Cam Thomas. After playing in the shadow of the Brooklyn Nets' "Big Three" at the beginning of his career, Thomas has now come into his own as a bona fide scoring threat. It makes sense for the Lakers to give up some assets to better secure their long-term future with the acquisition of the 24-year-old.

Jordan Poole

New Orleans Pelicans v Oklahoma City Thunder - Source: Getty

Jordan Poole is a unique prospect, as he has both youth and championship experience on his side. It doesn't take much to ignite Poole's scoring, and if the Lakers secure his services via trade, he can easily slide into the role of explosive sixth man that he previously took on when he was with Golden State.