NBA Trades: 3 small Los Angeles Lakers trades to help depth

Oct 10, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; The Los Angeles Lakers bench celebrates a three-point basket by Kent Bazemore (9) in the third quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; The Los Angeles Lakers bench celebrates a three-point basket by Kent Bazemore (9) in the third quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
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Moritz Wagner #21 of the Orlando Magic tells a teammate to keep quiet after a call during the second half of the game against the Milwaukee Bucks; Los Angeles Lakers; Lakers trades; NBA; NBA Trades (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Lakers are not playing like a playoff team. If a team is struggling to beat the four-win Detroit Pistons, then that should say it all right there.

While every team has bad games, this goes so much deeper for the Lakers. They’ve been having a rough go of it all year, and getting LeBron James back hasn’t done much in the two games he played.

In fairness, he did get ejected vs. Detroit (someone check on Isaiah Stewart), but they weren’t playing well before that either. Something has to change, and the first idea that comes to mind is a trade.

What are three Lakers trades that could help the Los Angeles Lakers this season? James loves to play GM, so maybe he can put together a deal to help him get closer to ring number five.

NBA trades to help the Los Angeles Lakers: Moritz Wagner

Lakers receive: Moritz Wagner

Magic receive: 2023 Second-Round Pick

Look, none of these Lakers trades are going to be particularly exciting. The Los Angeles Lakers have almost no cap room to work with, so it’s not like they can add any big names.

This deal would see Moritz Wagner make his return to LA. While he may not be the best center in the world on defense, his ability to space the floor could give the Lakers a new look on offense.

Again, none of these NBA trades are going to be world-altering, but this could help marginally. The Lakers are so bad on both ends right now that they have to try something.

The only thing that could throw a wrench in this deal is the Orlando Magic wanting to keep the Wagner brothers together. Other than that, them getting a second-rounder for someone who barely plays for them would be a solid deal.