The Los Angeles Lakers enter the 2025-26 NBA season at a crossroads. With LeBron James likely toward the final stretch of his storied career – turning 40 in December – there’s urgency in LA to make every roster move count.
While the team added DeAndre Ayton, Marcus Smart, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura during the offseason, many question whether the supporting cast has enough in reserve to help carry the load.
That’s why trade chatter is heating up, and names like Dejounte Murray, Myles Turner, and Lauri Markkanen are repeatedly mentioned as top targets.
Here’s a closer look at the three players who might make the difference-and what acquiring them could mean.
Upgrade options under consideration
Dejounte Murray
One of the most talked-about trade candidates. Murray offers the Lakers a dynamic two-way guard who can score, defend, and make plays without needing to dominate the ball.
With Ayton anchoring the frontcourt and LeBron and Luka Doncic expected to carry the offense, the Lakers need someone who can take pressure off the stars. Murray would fill that role perfectly. The downside? The cost likely includes multiple rotation players or draft picks, and New Orleans may be reluctant to part with him.
Myles Turner
Turner would address a recurring issue for LA – rim protection and interior spacing. With Ayton already signed, Turner could form a formidable defensive pairing in the paint. He also stretches the floor, which could open driving lanes for Doncic and LeBron.
However, the price to acquire a player of his caliber at center is high – and there are questions whether the Lakers are willing to give up both salary and future upside to make that happen.
Lauri Markkanen
The wildcard option. Markkanen offers size, shooting, and scoring versatility. At Utah, he’s proven he can make deep threes, finish inside, and stretch defenses.
For the Lakers, he could be the bridge between the present and the post-LeBron future – a player with star potential who also improves spacing instantly. But his contract demands and Utah’s desire to build around youth make a trade complicated.
The urgency is real. The Western Conference is deeper than ever, with surging teams like the Thunder, Nuggets, and Mavericks.
If the Lakers don’t find at least one of these upgrades, fans may see a repeat of last season’s short playoff run. For now, it’s a waiting game, one of those three may become the missing piece.
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