The Los Angeles Lakers are 27-25 and not having the season people expected from them. The Lakers were considered among the contenders in the NBA after a Western Conference Finals run last year and adding pieces in the summer. Instead, they look like a play-in team once again, currently sitting in the ninth seed.

They have actively looked to upgrade their roster since the start of the season, but have struggled to find the right value players. The Lakers are unwilling to trade any major assets for players they don’t consider All-Star or All-NBA level. Two players who earned that tag last year could be the perfect options if the Lakers finally decide to go all-in.

Kyrie Irving and DeMar DeRozan have been two players the Lakers have been repeatedly linked to but have never been able to finalize a deal due to value differences. With the Bulls looking to offload an expiring DeRozan and the Mavericks struggling to perfect the Luka Doncic and Kyrie duo, the Lakers can empty their asset cabinet for these two star-caliber veterans.

With less than 12 hours left before the trade deadline passes, the Lakers need to move fast to get these deals done right now.

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: DeMar DeRozan

DeMar DeRozan has had a strong season with the Bulls this year, averaging 22.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. The Bulls’ lack of success amidst multiple injuries kept him out of All-Star consideration, but DeRozan is still capable of performing at a high level in the right winning situation. The LA native has been linked to the Lakers since before he joined the Bulls and this may be the perfect time for this trade to happen.

The Bulls aren’t competitive or healthy enough to make a deep run in the playoffs, with a first-round exit ceiling on the team right now. Moving DeRozan and giving more responsibility to young players for development may be the right move. Coby White has shown star potential this season and Patrick Williams continues to take strides in his development. Instead of losing DeMar for nothing, the Bulls should use him to add a player like Austin Reaves, who’s highly valued and averaging 15.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists.

The Lakers add a dynamite and reliable scorer to help them with their offensive struggles. There are defensive question marks over DeMar but nobody in this trade has made a major positive defensive impact for the Lakers this season. They have a solid defensive system in place and will hope DeMar slots into it while maintaining his offensive touch.

Mavericks Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2025 Second-Round Pick (LAL)

Lakers Receive: Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving has been consistently linked to the Lakers since before he signed with the Brooklyn Nets in 2019, with a possible Kyrie-LeBron James reunion constantly sparking rumors. The Lakers couldn’t get a deal done with the Nets for Irving last winter, with Kyrie being dealt to Dallas. He’s averaging 25.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.4 assists this season but has struggled to be available for the 28-23 Mavs who are relying on superhuman production from Luka Doncic to stay afloat.

With Irving’s unavailability and possible age-related decline, the Mavericks could reinforce their lack of assets by dealing Kyrie for two cost-controlled young players. D’Angelo Russell is averaging 22.8 points and 6.4 assists over the last 15 games and could be a great offensive fit as a combo guard next to Luka. Rui Hachimura bolsters the Mavericks threadbare frontcourt, averaging 11.3 points and 3.7 rebounds this season. The 2029 Lakers pick is arguably the most valuable pick available in the NBA due to the long-term questions around the franchise.