As we get closer to the NBA trade deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers are expected to be one of the more aggressive teams across the association. Los Angeles has found a nice footing for themselves this year but they are still a piece or two away from fully contending.

The Lakers still have LeBron James and Anthony Davis leading the charge, making them a threat in the Western Conference. However, it seems that the team will need to add more firepower if they want to seriously be considered as a title threat.

Los Angeles has been linked to multiple players ahead of the trade deadline but in this new trade idea by Ishaan Bhattacharya of Fadeaway World, they land a few players.

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Onyeka Okongwu ($14.0 million), Bogdan Bogdanovic ($17.0 million)

Atlanta Hawks Receive: Rui Hachimura ($17.0 million), Jarred Vanderbilt ($10.4 million), Jalen Hood-Schifino ($3.8 million), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2025 Second-Round Pick (LAL)

This trade would be risky for the Lakers even with the players that they would get back in return. Losing Hachimura could be costly as he has played himself into a solid role for Los Angeles.

Vanderbilt has yet to make his debut this season but when healthy, he has been a legitimate defensive wing presence. But the Lakers could use his salary to improve the team, making him a likely option to be moved ahead of the trade deadline.

Landing Bogdanović could help with the Lakers’ 3-point issues as he is a career 38.2 percent shooter from distance. However, he has struggled from beyond the arch this season, shooting just 32.3 percent on his attempts.

If he could find his normal form, then this trade could be much more worth it for the Lakers. But playing alongside James could also help his averages as James is one of the best passers in the NBA still.

Okongwu would help the Lakers with their issues in the frontcourt, giving them a player who rebounds the ball very well. However, with the amount of talent and draft picks that the team would be giving up on this deal, it may not be worth it.

The Lakers may be better off looking elsewhere for help ahead of the trade deadline. With limited resources, Los Angeles can’t afford to make a trade just for the sake of making one this season.

More NBA news:

Pistons Predicted to Land $36M Star in Massive Trade

Massive Trade Proposal See Lakers Lands $28M Scorer

Bucks Blockbuster Trade Proposal Lands Them $90M Star Forward

For more NBA news and rumors, stay tuned to Newsweek Sports.

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This story was originally published January 18, 2025 at 12:51 PM.