5 NBA Trades That Should Have Happened This Offseason | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

Why the trade should have happened

The Los Angeles Lakers’ lack of activity this offseason has been baffling.

Simply returning the same roster (minus Taurean Prince and Spencer Dinwiddie as well as Dalton Knecht and Bronny James) that lost in the first round of the playoffs, especially with LeBron James nearing his 40th birthday, does not bode well for the Lakers’ title chances this season.

As long as Los Angeles has James and Anthony Davis, that’s the goal should be championship or bust. This was already a below-average offense last year, ranking 15th overall (115.4 rating) and 12th among the 16 playoff teams.

Adding an electrifying playmaker like LaMelo Ball or Trae Young could have given this offense a whole new lease of life, giving the Lakers another 20-point-per-game scorer and one of the best passers in the NBA.

James would have entered the playoffs much fresher if a player like Ball or Young had taken over the offense every night.

With a ball, yes. Probably not with Young.

The Charlotte Hornets front office that drafted Ball is no longer in place, and if the franchise gets off to a rough start, there could be an incentive to trade the All-Star point guard and try to get the No. 1 pick all in one to get draft 2025 loaded.

The Lakers could offer D’Angelo Russell’s expiring contract, future first-round picks and more in a deal for Ball, a player who would provide a tremendous spark.

After moving Dejounte Murray, the Hawks are unlikely to part ways with their other point guard. There is even less incentive for Atlanta to want to help the Lakers since the Hawks now own Los Angeles’ unprotected 2025 first-round pick, a selection they acquired from the New Orleans Pelicans as part of the deal for Murray.