Young Trail Blazers star could be a Lakers trade target this summer

USA Today

31-03-2025

Young Trail Blazers star could be a Lakers trade target this summer
While the Los Angeles Lakers could go very far in this season's NBA playoffs, they still have somewhat of an incomplete roster. Most of the heavy lifting is complete in terms of assembling a Lakers roster that can compete for a world championship, but one or two more reinforcements will be needed for them to go all the way.
While they need a legitimate starting-caliber defensive center, some help in the backcourt and at the wing spot would also be welcome. They will have to get creative this summer as far as finding a way to bring in some help, given their tight salary cap situation and lack of trade assets they're willing to give up.
Still, according to one writer, they could target a young, rising stud guard in the Western Conference: Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons.
Via ClutchPoints:
"While it's certainly a long shot, another team mentioned as a possible landing spot for Simons if the Blazers were to look to trade him is the Lakers, sources said," wrote Brett Siegel. "Take this with a grain of salt, as Los Angeles has more pressing matters to tend to on defense and in terms of frontcourt personnel.
"The idea of Simons playing off [Luka] Doncic certainly makes sense. He is a solid three-point shooting weapon who can play on or off the ball, creating a strong scoring duo for the future with Luka. Head coach JJ Redick has also spoken very highly in the past of Simons' potential and skill."
Simons is a bit undersized at 6-foot-3, but he's averaging 19.3 points and 4.8 assists a game. He's not the most efficient scorer overall, but he has hit 36.3% of his 8.5 3-point attempts a game this season.
At age 25 (he'll turn 26 in June), he could be a part of the Lakers' core for many years to come.
He will make $27.68 million next season, which means if Los Angeles were to trade for him this summer, it would have to give up quite a bit. Perhaps the Blazers would demand to receive Austin Reaves, whom L.A. has steadfastly refused to include in any trade discussions.