The Los Angeles Lakers have spent the early stretch of the 2025 season trying to find stability on both offense and defense.
LeBron James is still performing at an elite level, and Luka Doncic remains the franchise’s long-term centerpiece, but the team continues to struggle with perimeter defense and dependable backcourt depth behind Austin Reaves. With trade season approaching, one player who fits what the Lakers need is Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell.
More NBA Content from TWSN
The New York Knicks Will Have The Easiest Road To The Finals In NBA History
The Chicago Bulls Will be a Top-5 Team in the Eastern Conference
Does Joel Embiid Make Sense For 76ers Anymore?
Los Angeles Lakers Trade for Davion Mitchell
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Davion Mitchell
Miami Heat Receive: F/C Maxi Kleber, G/F Dalton Knecht, 2026 LAL 1st Rounder
Lakers Get the Next Marcus Smart
Davion Mitchell brings a level of intensity that simply can’t be coached, and he has shades of a young Marcus Smart — a player who may not dominate the stat sheet but completely alters a game with his defensive presence.
His ability to suffocate opposing ball-handlers would instantly upgrade the Lakers’ perimeter defense. With Reaves and Luka thriving more as offensive creators, the team is missing a true stopper who can take on elite guards like Ja Morant, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Jamal Murray. Mitchell fits that role perfectly.
“He’s only 6-foot-0, but he’s built like a tank… and when he’s out there, opposing guards hate every second of being matched up with him. That level of defensive pressure spreads — it lifts the entire team.”
Davion Mitchell 2025 Stats
Mitchell, who joined Miami midseason, took on a bigger role and delivered 10.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game over 30 appearances, starting in 15 of them.
During that stretch, he shot an impressive 50.4 percent from the field and 44.7 percent from three, showcasing noticeable improvement as he settled into the Heat’s system.
For the full 2024-25 season across both teams, he averaged 7.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in roughly 27.4 minutes per game, with shooting splits of 46.8 percent from the field, 39.8 percent from deep, and 69.0 percent at the line.
His stint in Miami not only boosted his production but also elevated his efficiency, making it clear he thrived with the increased responsibility.
Miami Perspective for Dalton Knecht’s Scoring
To land Mitchell, the Lakers would almost certainly have to give up a young asset, and the most reasonable candidate is Dalton Knecht. The former Tennessee standout has already demonstrated stretches of high-level scoring and projects as an ideal fit for a team like Miami that values shooting, toughness, and development.
A deal built around Knecht or another young piece could work well for everyone involved. Miami would ease its crowded backcourt while adding a promising shooter or future draft compensation, the Heat would bolster their offensive versatility, and Los Angeles would address its most glaring weakness by adding a true perimeter stopper.