Trade idea pairs LeBron James and Luka Doncic with former Lakers draft pick

The Los Angeles Lakers will be at the forefront of trade rumors and free agency rumblings once again. After a five-game series loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Rob Pelinka now gets back to work in hopes of improving the roster and squeezing one more NBA Finals run out of LeBron James. 

As always, plenty of superstars will be linked to the Lakers, and Pelinka's willingness to swing for the fences is nothing new (hence the Anthony Davis-Luka Doncic trade). 

While there are some realistic options such as Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton, there are some other not-so-realistic ideas. 

But, how about a realistic and under-the-radar idea? Stephen Noh of Sporting News linked Lonzo Ball to the Lakers in what would be a full-circle moment. 

Ball was one of the best stories in the league last year, coming back from a three-year hiatus. He isn't quite as fast as he used to be, but he's still an extremely smart defender who knows how to take smart gambles. He's a fantastic passer and a good 3-point shooter, and he's on a cheap $10 million salary next season. Ball's health is the big question mark. He was only able to play 35 games last season and can't be counted on for big minutes. He could be a good bench guard though.

Ball is an interesting idea. He was selected No. 2 overall by the Lakers in 2017 after a magnificent run with the UCLA Bruins. After just two seasons, the Lakers traded Ball in a package that also included Brandon Ingram in the deal that saw Anthony Davis come over from the New Orleans Pelicans. 

Sure, Ball's injury history is not encouraging, although he played well in his return in the 2024-25 season. Plus, the Lakers could use a point guard who can play defense and is a financial fit, all of which Ball possesses. 

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