Jan 5, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Bogdan Bogdanovic (13) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
In this crazy season, the Lakers are still in contact with major players on the trade market. It’s still evident that they need reinforcements to aid with their terrible shooting percentages, as they have a 20-21 record halfway in 2023–24. More veterans that match the build were mentioned by The Athletic’s 2024 Trade Board, and LA is aware of all of them.
Los Angeles Could Trade For Bogdan Bogdanovic With Three Sharpshooters
On Sam Vicenie’s trade board, sixth-year guard Bogdan Bogdanovic is ranked ninth. Bogdanovic has caused the Lakers to struggle from Sacramento to Atlanta. Bogdanovic is scoring about 17 points per game this season on 42% of his field goals and 36% of his three-pointers. In six games in December, he scored at least 20 points, including a game-ending 40-point performance against the Nuggets. It was quite the offensive clinic.
Bogdanovic is 6-foot-6 and has the build to kill it. In terms of attempts (9.2) and three-point makes per game (3.4), he leads Atlanta. Furthermore, he leads the club in three-point percentage. With 7.8 points per game from catch-and-shoot jumpers, the veteran is just third in the league behind Klay Thompson (9.0) and Lauri Markkanen (9.3). The Lakers can benefit greatly from Bogdanovic’s ability to pick up steam quickly and perform well off the bench, particularly when it comes to shooting off the catch. Considering his $18.7 million salary and LA’s emphasis on his teammate, Dejounte Murray, acquiring him could not be an easy assignment. However, it is indisputable that obtaining him and Murray in a significant trade is a possibility.
Bogdanovic, who stands six feet six, has an impressive frame. He leads Atlanta in three-point field goals made per game (3.4) and attempts (9.2). In addition, he has the highest three-point percentage on the team. The veteran is merely third in the league behind Klay Thompson (9.0) and Lauri Markkanen (9.3) with 7.8 points per game from catch-and-shoot jumpers. Bogdanovic’s ability to get hot quickly and play well off the bench, especially when it comes to shooting off the catch, can be very helpful to the Lakers. Acquiring him might not be an easy task, given his $18.7 million salary and LA’s priority on his teammate, Dejounte Murray. It is undeniable, though, that acquiring him and Murray in a big trade is a possibility.
Even at 31, Brogdon is showing that he still has something to offer the youthful Blazers team. He leads the club in three-pointers made per game (2.1) and scoring (5th) overall. On a two-year, $45 million contract extension, Brogdon might not be the big name Lakers supporters are expecting for. He can still be a useful addition to the team’s rotation, though.
The Lakers could finally make a run at acquiring Raptors guard/wing Gary Trent Jr. He has averaged 11.3 points per game in 35 games, shooting 40% from outside the arc and 41% from the field. Despite being two years removed from his career high of 18.3 points per game on.414/.383/.853 splits, he has continued to be productive in his bench role. Against the Hornets, GTJ scored 22 points in 34 minutes while coming off the bench. On December 30, he scored a season-high 24 points (8/16 FG, 6/9 3PT) against the Pistons, making it one of his five starts of the year.
It’s evident that Trent has been accustomed to playing off the bench, and RJ Barrett’s arrival raises the possibility that he may remain there for some time. He would, however, fare better with the Lakers at 24 than the resurgent Raptors. In close proximity to LeBron, Anthony Davis, and Austin Reaves, his adaptability at the two or three would facilitate a smooth transition. Similar to Bogdanovic and Brogdon, Trent Jr. can score 5.1 points a game while shooting well off the catch. This season, the Lakers have been able to make the most of the majority of their young talent. Trent Jr.’s inclusion in the mix only advances their position.
