From Nets to Lakers: 7 Underrated Wing Targets for L.A.'s Roster Makeover

The Trade Market Is Hot, But Lakers Need Substance

I’ve been tracking NBA trade rumors like a GPS on a flat tire—relentless, slightly obsessive. When Brooklyn’s ownership shift went live last month, I didn’t just see a headline. I saw an opening. Not just for fans of the Nets—but for contenders with depth issues.

Enter the Los Angeles Lakers.

They’re not rebuilding—but they are retooling. And if you’re serious about adding wings that can guard multiple positions and stretch the floor? Let’s get tactical.

Why Wings? Because Defense Still Wins (Even in LA)

You know what they say: “The best offense is a good defense.” And while I love watching LeBron float over defenders like he’s on anti-gravity skates, his age (39) means we can’t rely solely on heroics.

That’s where real wing depth matters—not just shooting or highlight reels. We need players who understand spacing, rotation timing, and screen discipline.

So forget flashy names only traded during crunch time. Let’s look at seven players whose stats don’t lie—and who fit both the analytics and the culture of L.A.’s current system.

Grayson Alderman – The Quiet Anchor from Memphis

Algebraic proof: Almendras’ defensive rating dropped 6.2 points when he played alongside Ja Morant—a sign of elite perimeter coverage ability.

Yes—he’s not famous yet. But his ability to switch onto guards and stay locked in through 40-minute stretches? That’s rare in today’s league.

Lakers don’t need more scoring; they need reliability in transition defense and pick-and-roll containment.

Alderman delivers both—with zero ego.

Myles Powell & Cameron Johnson – A Two-Pronged Upgrade?

Now hear me out: Myles Powell isn’t being traded because he’s untouchable—he was never even on the radar until recently.* The truth is simple: Nets are cleaning house post-restructure, and their young core needs fresh blood. Powell may be low-key now… but his 18 PPG average in summer league last year? That wasn’t luck—it was preparation.

And Cameron Johnson? He has shot 40% from three since joining Brooklyn—even when playing reduced minutes after injury setbacks. He could be your new starting small forward if you want balance between volume shooting and off-ball movement.

No rumors needed—just math applied correctly over time.

Herbert Jones & Trey Murphy III – The Greenlight Duo from New Orleans?

These aren’t easy trades—both are young assets with long-term contracts—but think bigger than salary matching: Jones averages 15+ touches per game while defending top-tier wings… without breaking stride. The Pelicans have already proven they’ll move him if it means upgrading their backcourt vision—or cash flow via cap relief later this season. Murphy? His off-ball cut rate has climbed nearly 20% since mid-season—he’s becoming a weapon against zone defenses and tight rotations..

The Lakers could pair them as dual switches—one aggressive defender (Jones), one floor-spacer (Murphy)—a modern twin tower setup built on film study rather than hype.