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Kristaps Porzingis

What Do Lakers Need Right Now? What Should Wait Until Summer?

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While the Lakers’ strong start has raised their floor and ceiling, they still need an elite 3&D starting small forward to shut down bigger wing scorers and a quality shot blocking defensive backup center to protect the rim.

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With Austin Reaves having played himself into being untradable other than for a true superstar like Giannis, the Lakers no longer have enough coveted trading chips and draft capital to fill both needs before the trade deadline. The Lakers need to carefully evaluate whom they could trade for at the deadline and next summer and who’ll be available to sign as free agent next summer before deciding when and how to fill their two major roster holes.

The Lakers are in an enviable position right now. Their 11–4 record is the 3rd best in the West and 4th best in the league despite injuries, and they’ve won 3 straight games and their next 4 games are against losing teams.
To top off the week, the Lakers now have LeBron back from injury, all 14 roster players finally healthy and available, and a perfectly timed 4-day break to hold valuable practices and set rotations before tonight’s game.

Mark Walter is moving quickly to put his imprint on the Lakers much like he did with the Dodgers, which means they’re likely to be more focused and aggressive looking for trades and free agents to win a championship.
Like he did with the Dodgers, Mark is already moving to transform the Lakers front office into a team that’s always on the same page without conflicting factions, which is why he ordered the Buss brothers’ firings.

So let’s take a more detailed look at ‘What Do Lakers Need Right Now’ and what moves they might make before the deadline plus ‘What Should Wait Until Summer’ when the team can offer at least 2 and maybe 3 draft picks.

WHAT DO LAKERS NEED RIGHT NOW?

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The Lakers’ greatest need right now is an elite 3&D starting small forward who can shut down bigger wing scorers and free up current starter Rui Hachimura to add needed firepower to the team’s bench with his shooting.

The Heat’s Andrew Wiggins and Suns’ Dillon Brooks are the top veteran small forwards the Lakers should pursue while the Pelican’s Herb Jones and Rockets’ Tari Eason are the the top younger wing candidates to target.
All 4 candidates would require at least a first round pick. Here’s a chart showing what each of the wing candidates earns, whom the Lakers would have to give up to match salaries, and whom they would be able to keep.

Cost of Starting 3&D Wing Candidates

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As you can see from the above chart, the older the candidate and more salary he earns, the more the Lakers must give up in depth in a trade. The lure of trading for Tari Eason is he would cost the least in terms of depth.
The Lakers need a starting small forward who can space the floor, defend his position, and be an integral part of a championship starting lineup. Here’s a chart showing each candidate’s key offensive and defensive stats.

Stats for Starting 3&D Wing Candidates

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While all 4 candidates have the size, 3-point shooting, and defensive skills the Lakers need in a starting small forward, Andrew Wiggins stands out as the best defender and second best 3-point shooter of the four candidates.
Tari Eason’s 3-point shooting stats jump out for only 23 mpg but his blocks and steals for this season are lower than the others. Last season, he had 1.1 3PM shooting 34.2% and recorded 0.9 blocks and 1.7 steals in 24.9 mpg.

The Lakers must pull off a blockbuster trade for an elite 3&D starting small forward like Andrew Wiggins, Dillon Brooks, Herb Jones, or Tari Eason. Andrew Wiggins is the safest bet but Tari Eason could be the smartest.

WHAT SHOULD WAIT UNTIL SUMMER

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The Lakers should wait until next summer to set their center rotation of the future because by then they’ll know what they have in Deandre Ayton and multiple quality starting and backup free agent centers will be available.

Mark Walter firing the Buss brothers and hiring Dodgers analytics expert Farhan Zaidi signals a transformation where the Lakers’ front office will always be on the same page and embrace data-driven decision making.
The Lakers’ summer strategy was already set when they declined to offer LeBron a next season contract. They plan to use his $50M expiring contract to sign a center, re-sign players, build more depth, and save their picks.

Despite the excellent job Deandre has done as their starting center, the Lakers know they ultimately will need a sustainable roster with better floor spacing and stronger rim protection to become a championship dynasty.
The following chart details 6 available centers the Lakers could pursue as free agents next summer: 3 possible starting centers in Porzingis, Kessler, and Ayrton and 3 backup centers in Robinson, Williams III, and Olynyk.

Cost & Stats for Free Agent Centers

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Kristaps Porzingis is obviously the oldest and most expensive starting center option but with Onyeka Okongwu’s ascension and Trae Young’s looming extension, the Hawks appear to be unlikely to extend him.
The most fascinating starting center option is Walker Kessler, who is out for the season due to a torn left labrum but will be ready to play next season. He’s a restricted free agent, which could make acquiring him difficult.

The Lakers would love to end next summer with center rotation that could space the floor and protect the rim headed by Kristaps Porzingis or Walker Kessler. Porzingis is the safest option but Kessler could be the smartest.

Best Six Trades the Los Angeles Lakers Could Pull Off Before Trade Deadline?

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While the Play-In Tournament and a plague of parity has limited the number of teams who are sellers at this point in the season, that could change dramatically as we approach the February 9 trade deadline.

Over the next month, the Lakers should see more teams become buyers and asking prices dropping as we reach the halfway point in the season and the cost for dumping a contract like Westbrook’s is cut almost in half.
It’s one thing to trade for a player due $47 million and having to pay his full salary for the entire year versus only having to cover the second half of the $47 million owed to Westbrook. It’s like Russ in on a 50% off sale right now.

Same is true of the $20.4 million in Beverley’s, Nunn’s, and Jones’ expiring contracts. Right now, teams taking over those contracts will only end up paying out $10.2 million since the Lakers have already paid half of that.
Right now, there is a plague of parity that has given almost every team in the league a realistic chance at making at least the Play-In Tournament if not the actual playoffs themselves. That will change over the next month.

As we head toward the February 9 trade deadline, here are the best zero-pick, one-pick, and two-pick Lakers trades for Westbrook and the best zero-pick, one-pick, and two-pick Lakers trades for Beverley and Nunn.

1. Best Zero-Pick Lakers Trade for Russell Westbrook

Lakers and Knicks agree to trade without any draft capital. Knicks take on Westbrook’s $47 million expiring contract while Lakers take on 2-years and $55.9 million owed Fournier and 3-years and $82.7 million owed Randle.

While the trade doesn’t transform the Lakers into instant contenders, it does give them needed upgrades in size and shooting without costing them any picks, giving Los Angeles three available picks to trade this summer.
Since all three contracts are for 2 or 3 years, the Lakers will have over $47 million in tradeable contracts to go with the 3 available first round picks, perfectly positioning Los Angeles for a blockbuster trade this summer.

If the Lakers are willing to accept over $135 million in Fournier’s and Randle’s multi-year deals, they can probably upgrade their roster via a trade with the Knicks without giving up any of their first round picks.

2. Best Zero-Pick Lakers Trade for Beverley and Nunn

Lakers and Hornets agree to trade without any draft capital. Hornets take on Russell Westbrook’s $47 million expiring contract. In return, the Lakers take on the 2 years and $73.1 million remaining on Terry Rozier’s contract.

Since the Lakers are taking back over $70 million in Rozier’s contract, there is no way they’re also going to give up a first round draft pick. The Hornets will also only have to pay half of Russ’ $47 million contract at this point.
Both this deal and the potential zero-picks trade with the Knicks are simple salary dumps where the Lakers would normally receive a first round pick for taking on the extra salary, which is offset by taking on Russ’ contract.

If the Lakers are willing to take back over $70 million in future salary as the cost for trading Westbrook to the Hornets, then there’s a good chance they can pull off a trade for Russ that does not include any first round picks.

3. Best One-Pick Lakers Trade for Russell Westbrook

Wizards take on Russell Westbrook’s $47 million expiring contract and get Lakers unprotected 2027 first round pick while Lakers take on 1 year and $36.0 million owed Porzingis and the 1 year and $13 million owed Kuzma.

There’s a good chance that the Lakers will compromise with LeBron James by trading one and keeping one of their two available tradeable first round draft picks to potentially use in a mega trade for a third star next summer.
On draft day, the Lakers would be able to offer their 2023 first round pick along with their 2027 and 2029 picks, giving them a total of 3 draft picks that could be packaged with Kuzma and Porzingis to trade for a third star.

If the Lakers decide to keep one of their available two picks, then they need to be able to bring back difference making size, shooting, and defense via the other first round pick. Porzingis and Kuzma are well worth 1 pick.

4. Best One-Pick Lakers Trade for Beverley and Nunn

Hornets get L.A’s first round draft pick for taking on Beverley’s $13.0 million, Nunn’s $5.2 million, and Jones $1.8 million expiring contracts while Lakers take on the 2-years and $20.5 million owed to Bogdanovic.

Bogdanovic would be the perfect addition to the Lakers starting lineup and would give LeBron James and Anthony Davis the elite 3-point shooting and deadeye midrange shooting Los Angeles needs to close out four quarters.
Considering that the Pistons would only have to pay the second half of Westbrook’s $47 million expiring contract, the Lakers 2027 unprotected first round draft pick should be enough for L.A. and Detroit to agree upon.

Landing an elite starting 3&D wing like Bogdanovic plus a promising young 3&D wing like Bey should be enough for the Los Angeles Lakers to give up one of their two available first round draft picks without any protection.

5. Best Two-Pick Lakers Trade for Russell Westbrook

Raptors take on Westbrook’s $47 million expiring contract while the Lakers take on the 1 year and $22.8 million owed VanVleet, the 2 years and $22.5 million owed Boucher, and the 1 year and $18.6 million owed Trent, Jr.

The beauty of this trade from the Lakers standpoint is they get a trio of new starters to go with LeBron James and Anthony Davis in point guard Fred VanVleet, shooting guard Gary Trent, Jr., and power forward Chris Boucher.
The Lakers get three new starters under 30-years old who are proven above average career 3-point shooters who can play defense. The Raptors get two potentially top-5 post-LeBron James unprotected first round draft picks.

The Toronto Raptors are struggling right now and unless there’s a sudden winning streak, they’re likely to decide to rebuild around Scottie Barnes, which means the Lakers could tempt them with two unprotected picks.

6. Best Two-Pick Lakers Trade for Beverley and Nunn

The Raptors O.G. Anunoby is probably the most coveted 3&D wing in the league right now. Lakers give up the $20.4 million in Beverley’s, Nunn’s, and Jones’ expiring contract for the 2 years and $38.5 million owed Anunoby.

Awarding the Raptors their 2027 and 2029 first round picks without any protection for a non-All Star player like Anunoby would be a bold move to fill the gaping hole the Lakers have had in wings the last three seasons.
In a way, it’s the kind of simple strategic move that is a double win: a huge upgrade to give LeBron and AD a chance to win in the current season and an long-term investment to add a difference maker at a coveted position.

Trading Beverley, Nunn, Jones, and their 2027 and 2029 unprotected first round picks to the Toronto Raptors for elite 3&D wing O.G. Anunoby would be the best two-pick Los Angeles Lakers trade for Beverley and Nunn.

5 Russell Westbrook Trades That Guarantee Lakers Will Make Playoffs

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Despite showing great energy and solid defense in a 6-point loss to the crosstown rival Los Angeles Clippers, it’s obvious to everybody that the sooner the Los Angeles Lakers trade Russell Westbrook the better.

While Rob Pelinka has done a good job transforming last season’s veteran roster into a younger more energetic version, the work is not finished as the Lakers still desperately need more wing size and 3-point shooting. Unfortunately, the only path the Lakers have to fix the size and shooting roster issues this season is to trade Russell Westbrook and draft capital as soon as possible for two or three legitimate starters or rotation players.

Right now, the Lakers are projected to win 44.5 games this season, 8th behind Warriors’ 53.5 wins, Suns’ 52.5 wins, Clippers’ 51.5 wins, Nuggets 51.5 wins, Grizzlies 49.5 wins, Mavs 48.5 wins, and Timberwolves 47.5 wins. Frankly, the Lakers need make a Westbrook trade that would get them 6 additional wins. Winning over 50 games would elevate the Lakers from a 7th place finish and the play-in tournament to a solid top-6 playoff team.

The Lakers entire offseason strategy has been spent trying to find a way to keep one of their two first round picks so they will still have a pick in their pocket next summer to help them make a blockbuster move if available. Pelinka made a huge gamble turning down the Pacers deal before camp and deciding to wait until the end of November to trade Westbrook. What he wants in return is a 1-pick Westbrook trade to elevate them to playoffs.

Here are five Russell Westbrook trades, including 4 for just 1 draft pick, that would bring the Lakers multiple legitimate rotation payers and 6 more wins to bring the team’s projected win total for next season to 50.5 games.

1. Indiana Pacers: Westbrook and 2 First Round Picks (+6 Wins)

This is the only Westbrook trade that justifies the Lakers giving up both of their available first round draft picks unprotected. The addition of Turner, Hield, and McConnell add needed size, defense, and 3-point shooting.

Myles Turner, 26 -year old center, 6′ 11″, 250 lbs
12.6/6.5/1.0 shooting 50.9%/33.3%/75.2% on 9.4/4.4/2.5 shots

Buddy Hield, 29-year old shooting guard, 6′ 4″, 220 lbs
15.6/4.4/2.8 shooting 40.6%/36.6%/87.4% on 13.6/8.8/1.6 shots

T.J. McConnell, 30-year old point guard, 6′ 1″, 190 lbs
8.5/3.3/4.9 shooting 48.1%/30.3%/82.6% on 7.7/1.2/0.9 shots

2. Miami Heat: Westbrook and 1 First Round Pick (+6 Wins)

This is the first of the four Westbrook trades that only includes one of the Lakers’ two available first round draft picks. It brings the Lakers two elite volume 3-point shooters who combined take over 14 threes per game.

Kyle Lowry, 36-year old point guard, 6′ 0″, 1296lbs
13.4/7.5/3.5 shooting 44.0%/37.7%/85.1% on 10.0/6.1/3.5 shots

Duncan Robinson, 28-year old shooting guard, 6′ 7″, 215 lbs
10.9/2.6/1.6 shooting 39.9%/37.2%/83.6% on 9.2/7.9/0.8 shots

3. Washington Wizards: Westbrook and 1 First Round Pick (+6 wins)

This is another Westbrook trade that justifies the Lakers giving up just one of their available first round picks unprotected. The addition of Porzingis and Kuzma give the Lakers needed size, defense, and 3-point shooting.

Kristaps Porzingis, 27-year old center, 7′ 3″, 240 lbs
20.2/8.1/2.3 shooting 45.9%/31.0%/86.7% on 15.0/4.9/5.6 shots

Kyle Kuzma, 27-year old small forward, 6′ 9″, 221 lbs
17.1/8.5/3.5 shooting 45.2%/34.1%/71.2% on 14.2/5.7/3.3 shots

4. Utah Jazz: Westbrook and 1 First Round Pick (+6 Wins)

This is another Westbrook trade that brings the Lakers a stretch five center and two dead-eye shooting guards who are elite 3-point shooters who take over 15 threes per game in Olynyk, Clarkson, and Beasley.

Kelly Olynyk, 31-year old center, 6′ 11″, 240 lbs
15.9/4.6/3.6 shooting 45.9%/39.1%/84.6% on 12.6/4.5/3.0 shots

Malik Beasley, 25-year old shooting guard, 6′ 4″, 187 lbs
15.0/4.0/1.1 shooting 44.0%/34.5%/66.7% on 12.3/7.3/2.5 shots

Jordan Clarkson, 30-year old shooting guard, 6′ 4″, 194 lbs
10.3/5.2/2.3 shooting 47.0%/36.5%/71.6% on 8.2/4.6/0.0 shots

5. San Antonio Spurs: Westbrook and 1 First Round Pick (+6 Wins)

This is the last Westbrook trade that only costs the Lakers one of their available first round draft picks unprotected. The addition of Richardson, McDermott, and Poeltl add needed size, defense, and 3-point shooting.

Josh Richardson, 27-year old center, 6′ 6″, 190 lbs
11.4/2.9/2.3 shooting 42.9%/44.4%/94.6% on 9.1/4.3/1.8 shots

Doug McDermott, 30-year old small forward, 6′ 6″, 220 lbs
11.3/2.3/1.3 shooting 46.2%/42.2%/78.4% on 9.1/5.0/1.0 shots 

Jacob Poeltl, 28-year old center, 7′ 1″, 260 lbs
17.5/8.5/3.5 shooting 61.8%/0.0%/49.5% on 9.8/0.0/2.8 shots

Ten Laker Trades for Third Superstar, Volume Threes, and/or Rim Protection

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Struggling with Anthony Davis’ subpar play and injury, players out due to Covid protocol, cratering 3-point shooting, and faltering rim protection, the Lakers desperately need a big trade to keep their championship hopes alive.

They need a third superstar to match the Nets’ Superstar Big Three, some volume 3-point shooters to match the Clippers, Nets, and Jazz who shoot 10 more threes per game, and an elite rim protector to anchor their defense. Finding players to fill those needs is going to require the Lakers to give up valuable components of the roster than won the NBA championship last season. The reality is the bar to win the NBA championship has been raised.

Other than LeBron and AD, Kuzma is the only other Laker close to being untouchable as he’s become exactly what the Lakers are trying to trade for, a high volume, high percentage 3-point shooter who could be a third star. Keeping Dennis Schroder should also be a high priority but the rest of the Lakers’ roster have to be considered fair game in a major trade, even fan favorites like Alex Caruso, Montrezl Harrell, and Talen Horton-Tucker.

While the Lakers will be monitoring the buyout market, they’re not likely to find a third star or superstar, volume 3-point shooter, or elite rim protector there. The one exception may be former Houston center DeMarcus Cousins. What separates Cousins from the other center buyout candidates is his willingness and ability to shoot the three. Boogie shot 33.6% on 4.6 threes per game this season and 35.4% on 6.1 threes per game at his peak in 2018.

The challenging part of proposing trades is figuring out who’s available that fits your needs, what competing teams are likely to offer, and what’s the right package to offer to entice the other team to actually agree to the trade. Fortunately, there’s TRADENBA.COM’s virtual trade machine that not only allows anybody to play NBA general manager but also projects which team wins the trade and number of wins the trade should statistically produce.

Here are ten proposed trades that could give the Lakers a coveted third superstar, volume 3-point shooters to keep up with the Nets, Clippers, and Jazz, and/or a rim protector to anchor the Lakers’ top ranked defense.

1. TRADE FOR VICTOR OLADIPO & PJ TUCKER

Lakers get third superstar, add volume 3-point shooting and perimeter defense but give up valuable depth, scoring, and budding young star.

Third Superstar? Yes, Victor Oladipo
Volume 3-Point Shooting? Yes, 10.2 vs. 6.6 Threes Per Game
Better Defense? Yes, Oladipo > THT, Tucker > KCP
Trade Machine Verdict? Even Trade.

Starters: Schroder, OLADIP0, James, Davis, Gasol
Bench: Caruso, TUCKER, Kuzma, Morris, COUSINS

2. TRADE FOR KYLE LOWRY

Lakers get third superstar, add volume 3-point shooting and perimeter defense but give up valuable depth, scoring, and budding young star.

Third Superstar? Yes, Kyle Lowry
Volume 3-Point Shooting? Yes,7.1 vs. 5.2 Threes Per Game
Better Defense? Yes, Lowry > KCP
Trade Machine Verdict? Raptors+3 Wins

Starters: LOWRY, Schroder, James, Davis, Gasol
Bench: Caruso, Kuzma, McKinnie, Morris, COUSINS

3. TRADE FOR KRISTAPS PORZINGIS

Lakers get potential third superstar and modern two-way center but give up valuable depth, scoring, perimeter defense, and budding young star.

Third Superstar? Yes, Kristaps Porzingis
Volume 3-Point Shooting? No, 6.2 vs 8.2 Threes Per Game
Better Defense? Yes, Porzingis Averages 1.5 Blocks Per Game
Trade Machine Verdict? Even Trade

Starters: Schroder, Kuzma, James, Davis, PORZINGIS
Bench: Caruso, Matthews, McKinney, Morris, Gasol

4. TRADE FOR MYLES TURNER

Lakers get perfect modern center who can protect the rim and stretch defenses but give up volume threes, depth, and budding young star.

Third Superstar? Yes, Myles Turner is a superstar for his position
Volume 3-Point Shooting? No, 4.6 vs. 7.1 Threes Per Game
Better Defense? Yes, Turner Leads NBA With 3.3 Blocks Per Game
Trade Machine Verdict? Pacers+3 Wins

Starters: Schroder, Caldwell-Pope, James, Davis, TURNER
Bench: Caruso, Matthews, McKinney, Morris, Gasol

5. TRADE FOR DEVONTE GRAHAM, MALIK MONK, BISMACK BIYOMBO

Lakers get two volume 3-point shooters and capable rim protector but give up depth, perimeter defense, budding young star, and first round pick.

Third Superstar? No
Volume 3-Point Shooting? Yes, 15.4 vs. 4.9 Threes Per Game
Add Better Defense? No, Graham > Caruso
Trade Machine Verdict? Even Trade

Starters: Schroder, GRAHAM, James, Davis, Gasol
Bench: Caldwell-Pope, MONK, Kuzma, Morris, BIYOMBO

6. TRADE FOR LONZO BALL & JJ REDICK

Lakers get second playmaker and elite perimeter defender, two volume 3-point shooters but give up depth, scoring, and budding young star

Third Superstar? No
Volume 3-Point Shooting? Yes, 16.2 vs. 5.9 Threes Per Game
Better Defense? Yes, Ball > KCP
Trade Machine Verdict? Even Trade.

Starters: BALL, Schroder, James, Davis, Gasol
Bench: Caruso, REDICK, Kuzma, Morris, COUSINS

7. TRADE FOR NERLENS NOEL & REGGIE BULLOCK

Lakers get elite rim protector and volume 3-point shooter but give up scoring, depth, budding young star, and second round pick.

Third Superstar? No, but Nerlens Noel is elite rim protector
Volume 3-Point Shooting? Yes, 4.7 vs. 2.1 Threes Per Game
Better Defense? Yes, Noel Averages 2.0 Blocks & 0.9 Steals Per Game
Trade Machine Verdict? Knicks+3 Wins

Starters: Schroder, Caldwell-Pope, James, Davis, NOEL
Bench: Caruso, BULLOCK, Kuzma, Morris, Gasol

8. TRADE FOR BUDDY HIELD & HASSAN WHITESIDE

Lakers get high volume 3-point shooter and elite shot blocker but give up scoring, depth, perimeter defense, and second round pick.

Third Superstar? No
Volume 3-Point Shooting? Yes, 10.4 vs. 6.3 Threes Per Game
Add Better Defense? Yes, Whiteside 1.3 Blocks Per Game
Trade Machine Verdict? Even Trade

Starters: Schroder, HIELD, James, Davis, Gasol
Bench: Horton-Tucker,Caldwell-Pope, Kuzma, Morris, WHITESIDE

9. TRADE FOR EVAN FOURNIER & MO BAMBA

Lakers get volume 3-point shooter and playmaker and young shot blocker but give up scoring, depth, and budding young star.

Third Superstar? No
Volume 3-Point Shooting? Yes, 6.7 vs. 5.9 Threes Per Game
Better Defense? Yes, Bamba 0.9 Blocks Per Game
Trade Machine Verdict? Even Trade

Starters: Schroder, FOURNIER, James, Davis, Gasol
Bench: Caruso, ROSS, Kuzma, Morris, BAMBA

10. TRADE FOR WAYNE ELLINGTON & DELON WRIGHT

Lakers get two volume 3-point shooters but give up depth, budding young star, and second round draft pick.

Third Superstar? No
Volume 3-Point Shooting? Yes, 8.9 3PA vs. 2.1 Threes Per Game
Better Defense? No Difference
Trade Machine Verdict? Pistons +3 Wins

Starters: WRIGHT, Schroder, James, Davis, Gasol
Bench: Caruso, ELLINGTON, Kuzma, Morris, COUSINS

Why Los Angeles Lakers Must Build a Superstar Big 3 to Win Championship!

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The Brooklyn Nets’ Superstar Big 3 has raised the bar and upped the ante for what’s needed to win the NBA championship and may ultimately force both the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers to pursue a third superstar.

Make no mistake, the Los Angeles Lakers’ and Clippers’ front offices not only view the Nets as their likely opponent should they make the Finals but also as the biggest challenge and obstacle to their winning the championship. The Utah Jazz may dominate the regular season but the NBA playoffs have always been about superstars and the Brooklyn Nets’ Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving are the greatest Superstar Big 3 ever assembled.

Lakers’ and Clippers’ fans can hope the Nets won’t be able to build a quality supporting cast, won’t have enough time to jell, or won’t be able to defend but the reality when it comes to superstars is three is greater than two. We’ve already seen in the regular season how losing one of their superstars to injury or pandemic contract tracing impacted the Lakers or Clippers far more than it did the Nets. Now imagine that happening during the playoffs.

The Brooklyn Nets’ Superstar Big 3 is going to transform the midseason trading period into an arms race like the NBA has never seen before as both the Lakers and Clippers will be actively chasing that elusive third superstar. Superstars duos like the Lakers’ LeBron James and Anthony Davis or the Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard and Paul George may no longer be enough to win the championship now that the Nets boast a legitimate Superstar Big 3.

There are also other potential competing teams who understand that they need major upgrades to their lineups in the form of star or superstar players just to remain in second tier right below Lakers, Clippers, and Nets. The Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee Bucks, Dallas Mavericks, and Golden State Warriors will also be looking for a star or superstar player to upgrade their rosters to compete with tier 1 teams.

In a perfect world, the Lakers and Clippers would both love a center as the third superstar to complement their current two superstar while the Lakers need a volume 3-point shooting guard and the Clippers a true point guard. Unfortunately, neither the Lakers or the Clippers have the draft picks that are often essential when trading for a superstar player so they’re both going to have to get creative to outbid the second tier teams for a third superstar.

But the Lakers and Clippers do have multiple proven high quality role players under team friendly contracts that could be appealing to teams that opt to become sellers and trade a star or superstar as the deadline nears. Whether they can find a trade partner and deal is uncertain but both understand the Nets have jumped ahead of them in terms of superstars and they may be challenged to keep their championship windows open.

So who are the stars and superstars who could be on the move before the March 24th trade deadline? And which ones would have enough impact to qualify as the needed third superstar to give the Lakers or Clippers a Big 3?Here are the top candidates who make the most sense as third superstars for the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers, ranked according to what it would take in the form of trading chips for the Lakers or Clippers to acquire them:

1. BRADLEY BEAL, WASHINGTON WIZARDS SHOOTING GUARD

Bradley would be the perfect candidate to level the playing field between the Lakers and Clippers versus the Nets. Unfortunately, it’s doubtful Beal will be available or either Los Angeles team has the chips to pull off a deal.

2. ZACH LAVINE, CHICAGO BULLS SHOOTING GUARD

Zach would also be a perfect candidate as the third superstar to go with LeBron and AD or Kawhi and PG. Like Beal, it’s doubtful the Lakers or Clippers could outbid what tier 2 teams could offer to pull off a trade.

3. KRISTAPS PORZINGIS, DALLAS MAVERICKS CENTER

Kristaps would also be a great fit on the Lakers or the Clippers and an elite upgrade at both ends over Marc Gasol or Serge Ibaka. If the Mavs decide to move Porzingis, he would be the perfect third superstar for the Lakers.

4. KYLE LOWRY, TORONTO RAPTORS POINT GUARD

While the Raptors are struggling, Kyle has been enjoying a great year and would immediately close the superstar gap between the Lakers or Clippers and the Nets. He would be the perfect third superstar for the Clippers.

5. VICTOR OLADIPO, HOUSTON ROCKETS SHOOTING GUARD

Victor might be the most attainable trade option as a third superstar for the Lakers or Clippers because of the injury and free agency concerns. He’s a better roster fit on the Lakers than the Clippers because of position.

6. NIKOLA VUCEVIC, ORLANDO MAGIC CENTER

Nikola is the wild card third superstar option for the Lakers and Clippers because the Magic have not shopped him despite their losing record and it’s likely they would want draft picks neither LA team has in a trade for him.

There are a multitude of minor tweaks the Lakers and Clippers can make to try and close the current gap between them and the Nets but they may find themselves competing with each other and the Nets for the same players. Should the Lakers and Clippers be unable to land one of the above six superstars, they will then have to settle for less impactful moves such as upgrading role players or picking up someone from the waiver wire.

Other candidates include the Hawks’ John Collins, Nuggets’ Michael Porter, Jr., Rockets PJ Tucker and Eric Gordon, Pelicans’ Lonzo Ball and JJ Redick, Spurs’ DeMar DeRozan or LaMarcus Aldridge, or Bulls’ Lauri Markkanen. Possible targets also include Magic’s Mo Bamba, Khem Birch, or Evan Fournier, Thunder’s George Hill and Trevor Ariza, Kings’ Buddy Hield and Nemanja Bjelica, Pistons’ Wayne Ellington, or Hornets’ Devonte Graham.

The only thing certain is the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers will need to make moves before the March 34th trade deadline if they want to be able to match up against the Nets’ Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving.