Big Trade Targets: Can Marcus Smart, Draymond Green, and Daniel Gafford Elevate the Lakers to Contender Status?…

Big Trade Targets: Can Marcus Smart, Draymond Green, and Daniel Gafford Elevate the Lakers to Contender Status?

As the Los Angeles Lakers gear up for another championship push, the front office appears poised to make significant roster changes. After a disappointing 2024–25 campaign that ended in early playoff elimination, the team is actively exploring trade opportunities to bolster its defensive backcourt and frontcourt toughness. Among the names generating buzz are Marcus Smart, Draymond Green, and Daniel Gafford. While only one of these options has a concrete foundation—Smart—the others remain in the realm of speculation. Nevertheless, the conversations around these players suggest the Lakers are serious about reshaping their identity around defense, toughness, and veteran savvy.

Why Defense Matters Now More Than Ever

The Lakers, anchored by stars like LeBron James and Luka Dončić (following a reported blockbuster acquisition), need supporting pieces that can complement their offensive output. In recent years, LA’s defense has been inconsistent—flashes of elite rim protection have been offset by poor perimeter coverage and unreliable rotations.

Last season, the Lakers finished outside the top 10 in defensive rating. Their inability to contain dribble penetration, especially against elite guards like Jamal Murray, Stephen Curry, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, exposed a glaring weakness. Enter Marcus Smart, perhaps the most realistic and immediately impactful trade target for LA.

Marcus Smart: LA’s Ideal Defensive Anchor

Defensive Impact

Marcus Smart has long been regarded as one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA. The 2022 Defensive Player of the Year brings a unique brand of physicality, IQ, and vocal leadership. Smart is known for guarding positions 1 through 3 effectively and even taking on bigger forwards in crunch-time matchups.

His ability to anticipate passing lanes, force turnovers, and pressure opposing guards at the point of attack makes him a rare asset. For a Lakers team that has lacked a true defensive leader on the perimeter, Smart would immediately fill that void.

Playoff Experience and Intangibles

Smart has made deep playoff runs with the Boston Celtics, including a Finals appearance in 2022. He brings with him a sense of urgency, grit, and experience that playoff teams crave. His leadership, intensity, and fearlessness align perfectly with the Lakers’ championship aspirations, particularly if the roster remains top-heavy with stars like LeBron and Luka.

The Risk Factor

Smart’s injury history is a concern. He played in only 19 games for the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2024–25 season due to finger and ankle issues. Acquiring him means betting on his durability going forward. Additionally, Smart is under contract through 2026, earning about $21 million per season. While that’s not an egregious salary, it limits future cap flexibility.

Possible Trade Packages

Reports suggest the Lakers could send out a combination of salary fillers and draft capital. Potential packages include:

• Gabe Vincent + Jarred Vanderbilt + 2025 second-round pick
• D’Angelo Russell + Jalen Hood-Schifino + future first-round pick

Memphis may be looking to shed salary or retool around younger talent, so either of these options could be viable depending on how aggressive the Lakers want to be.

Draymond Green: Speculative but Intriguing

The Warrior in Purple and Gold?

Draymond Green is the face of Golden State’s dynastic defense, but rumors suggest the Warriors could be open to moving him if a multi-team trade materializes. The Lakers have long been linked to Green due to his friendship with LeBron James and the team’s desire for a high-IQ defensive presence.

What He Offers

Green is a defensive savant—able to guard all five positions, quarterback defensive schemes, and provide elite switchability. His playmaking from the forward position also adds value in transition and half-court sets. While his scoring is minimal, his ability to impact games without putting up big numbers is well-documented.

Challenges and Baggage

• Contract: Green is on a $100M+ deal that runs through 2027. Taking that on would be a significant financial commitment.
• Behavioral Issues: Green’s on-court antics have often resulted in suspensions and distractions. Whether the Lakers want to bring in that kind of volatility is a fair question.
• Fit: There’s the issue of spacing. Green and Anthony Davis could clog the paint if paired together, unless both are willing to make tactical sacrifices.

Trade Scenario

A speculative four-team trade has been floated in NBA circles:

• Lakers receive: Draymond Green, Daniel Gafford
• Warriors receive: Rui Hachimura, picks
• Wizards receive: Jalen Hood-Schifino, salary fillers
• Fourth team (e.g., Spurs): Facilitates cap balancing with draft picks and expiring contracts

While intriguing, this deal is far from imminent. It would require precise financial and roster maneuvers and buy-in from multiple GMs.

Daniel Gafford: The Athletic Rim Protector

Underrated Addition

Often overshadowed by flashier names, Daniel Gafford could be a sneaky-good pickup. He’s a traditional center—rim-runner, lob finisher, and shot blocker. Gafford averaged nearly 2.5 blocks per game last season and shot above 70% from the field.

He’d be an ideal complement to Anthony Davis, allowing AD to play more at the four while still giving the Lakers interior protection when Davis sits.

Contract and Role

Gafford is on a team-friendly deal (~$13 million/year through 2026), making him a cost-effective acquisition. He wouldn’t require a major reshuffling of assets and could be part of a broader deal involving Green or even acquired separately.

How These Trades Affect the Core

Assuming LeBron and Luka remain the focal points, any trade must ensure fit. Here’s how each player slots into LA’s projected depth chart:

With Smart

• PG: Smart
• SG: Luka
• SF: LeBron
• PF: Davis
• C: Gafford (if acquired)
  Bench: Reaves, Prince, Christie, Reddish

With Green and Gafford

• PG: Luka
• SG: Reaves
• SF: LeBron
• PF: Green
• C: Davis/Gafford
  Bench: Vincent, Prince, Christie

These configurations significantly improve the team’s defense while maintaining playmaking versatility.

Final Verdict: Worth the Gamble?

Smart: A Calculated, Realistic Target

Acquiring Marcus Smart would be a smart (pun intended) move—provided he stays healthy. His leadership, defense, and toughness could be the missing link for a team trying to bridge the gap between offensive talent and defensive execution.

Green and Gafford: A High-Risk, High-Reward Power Move

A package deal involving Draymond Green and Daniel Gafford could drastically change the Lakers’ defensive profile—but it comes with risks. Chemistry, age, and contract concerns loom large. If it works, the Lakers could become the toughest, most physical team in the West. If it doesn’t, they may be stuck with aging, inflexible pieces.

Conclusion

The Lakers are clearly preparing for a pivotal offseason. Whether they land Marcus Smart, Green, Gafford—or none of them—the message is clear: they are done with passive roster building. The focus is now on grit, defense, and playoff-ready toughness. If they pull off even one of these trades, expect a much different Lakers team come October—one built not just to compete, but to conquer.