The Los Angeles Lakers have played exceedingly well to start the season, largely thanks to star Anthony Davis, who has been one of the best players in the league this season thus far. They have also gotten a boost from first-year coach and former player JJ Redick, who has been better than expected and has maximized their talent.
Even so, the Lakers could use a boost to their personnel, which is largely the same as last season. They finished in the middle of the pack in offensive and defensive efficiency despite having LeBron James and Davis on offense and Davis dominating on defense.
They can potentially address both issues by adding a stretch five that can also protect the rim. Those players don't exactly grow on trees but two could fit the bill. Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez and Chicago Bulls big man Nikola Vucevic both qualify as stretch fives and could be available in a trade.
The Bucks probably aren't looking to move Lopez just yet unless it's a win-now move. But if Giannis Antetokounmpo demands to be traded, then the Bucks would probably look to move on from players such as Lopez.
The Los Angeles Lakers should try to trade for either of these players.
At 36 years old, Lopez's value is diminishing but he would still be able to help a contender and may fetch a first-round pick. He would make for an excellent fit next to Davis given his size and ability to protect the rim as well as his ability to knock down open threes.
Meanwhile, Vucevic would probably be more available and therefore more obtainable for the Lakers. He is having a strong start to the season and has shown improvement as a shooter from outside. While he has long been thought of as a stretch five, he has shot below league average over the last five seasons.
This season has been different, however, with him drilling open looks. He isn't nearly the defender that Lopez is but he is a bruiser who can score in the post and crash the glass as well as space the floor. With D'Angelo Russell seemingly in Redick's doghouse and him on a big expiring contract, he would be the most likely Lakers player to be moved.
He and another player on a cheap deal in addition to a pick would possibly be enough for the Lakers to add Vucevic. A similar package may be the basis for a deal for Lopez if he suddenly becomes available. Given how well Los Angeles has started the season, making a move for a big man to pair with Davis might be key to helping them get back into contention.