It's not going particularly well for the Lakers right now.
Since defeating Indiana in the final of the In-Season Tournament, Los Angeles has gone 3-9 to fall under .500 on the season. The team's defense hasn't been nearly as impenetrable as it was to start the season and the offense continues to be a problem.
Through 35 games, the Lakers rank 24th in offensive efficiency despite LeBron James playing at an All-NBA level and Anthony Davis playing some of the best basketball of his career. 3-point shooting has been the most glaring issue.
With the trade deadline quickly approaching, here are some players who could help the Lakers.
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Zach LaVine, Bulls
Salary: $40,064,220
The Athletic's Shams Charania reported in November of the "increased openness" from LaVine and the Bulls about exploring a trade. To no surprise, the Lakers were mentioned at the time as being one of the teams expected to have some interest in the two-time All-Star.
LaVine is having a down year and has been out since the end of November with a foot injury, but he's an explosive scorer who has canned 38.2 percent of his 3-point attempts in his career. He could help a Lakers team in need of shooting and additional scoring, and Los Angeles has the personnel to cover for his limitations on defense.
The Lakers would have a hard time acquiring LaVine without giving up Austin Reaves. The last we heard, the front office remains committed to the younger guard.
MORE: Zach LaVine reportedly would like trade to Lakers. Should LA pursue?
Malcolm Brogdon, Trail Blazers
Salary: $22,500,000
Brogdon brings some much-needed veteran leadership to a young Trail Blazers team, but he's still at a stage in his career where he can make a difference on a contender. He was named Sixth Man of the Year as a member of the Celtics last season. Through 26 games with the Trail Blazers this season, he's averaging 15.7 points and 5.6 assists on 41.4 percent shooting from 3.
Injuries are a concern with Brogdon, but his shooting and playmaking would be a nice addition to the Lakers.
Buddy Hield, Pacers
Salary: $19,279,843
Hield is one of the best 3-point shooters in the NBA. Since Hield was drafted in 2016, only Stephen Curry has made more 3s than him.
HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported at the end of November that the Pacers had a "high asking price" for Hield, the expectation being that it would take a first-round pick and rotation player to acquire him. Hield has since been moved to a bench role, so maybe the asking price isn't as high. Plus, he'll be an unrestricted free agent in the offseason.
The Lakers have been linked to Hield a couple of times in the past.
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Dejounte Murray, Hawks
Salary: $18,214,000
The Murray trade hasn't worked out as expected for the Hawks, who once again find themselves in the Play-In Tournament mix. The Athletic's Shams Charania mentioned the one-time All-Star as a "potential target" for the Lakers before the New Year.
Ideally, the Lakers would surround James and Davis with a more accomplished shooter, but Murray is having a career year from the perimeter. He's knocking down 38.3 percent of his 6.2 3-point attempts per game, the bulk of which have been catch-and-shoot.
At his best, Murray is a disruptive defender, capable scorer, solid passer and good rebounder. He signed a four-year, $114.1 million contract with the Hawks in the offseason. The soonest he can be traded is Jan. 9.
Tyus Jones, Wizards
Salary: $14,000,000
Jones is quietly having the best season of his career. After being Ja Morant's backup in Memphis, he has transitioned to being a full-time starter in Washington, averaging 12.5 points and 5.4 assists on 42.6 percent shooting from 3.
The Wizards will have a decision to make with Jones, who will be an unrestricted free agent in the offseason. Like Brogdon, he's better suited on a contending team than a rebuilding one. There are teams that could make a better offer for Jones than the Lakers, but the possibility of him being a rental could work to their benefit.
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Doug McDermott, Spurs
Salary: $13,750,000
McDermott is averaging his fewest points since his rookie season, but he's shooting a career-best 44.2 percent from 3. He could thrive as a specialist on the Lakers.
McDermott is in the final year of his contract and playing limited minutes for the Spurs. He might be an easy get.
Alex Caruso, Bulls
Salary: $9,460,000
Every team could use Caruso. Our Steph Noh ranked him as the second-best defender in the NBA entering the 2023-24 season, trailing only Draymond Green. He flies around screens, he's highly disruptive, he's versatile and he's a legitimate stopper.
Caruso is not known as much for his offense, but he's averaging a career-best 10.0 points per game this season while shooting 42.6 percent from the perimeter.
There's a familiarity there, as Caruso was a part of the Lakers' 2020 championship team. James has been described as being one of the "staunchest Alex Caruso fans" in the Lakers organization.
