{"id":528427,"date":"2026-01-11T02:31:12","date_gmt":"2026-01-11T02:31:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/528427\/"},"modified":"2026-01-11T02:31:12","modified_gmt":"2026-01-11T02:31:12","slug":"insiders-mock-morant-trade-gifts-lakers-3-and-d-target","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/528427\/","title":{"rendered":"Insider’s Mock Morant Trade Gifts Lakers 3-and-D Target"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Memphis Grizzlies\u2019 willingness to hear offers for Ja Morant<\/a> has left trade machines around the world firing on all cylinders. One insider\u2019s proposed deal sending Morant up north has the Lakers filling a dire need with an underrated, intriguing target.<\/p>\n

Insider\u2019s Mock Morant Trade Gifts Lakers 3-and-D Target
\nThe Athletic\u2019s Three-Team Trade Proposal<\/p>\n

In a Saturday article for The Athletic<\/a>, NBA insider Sam Vecenie put together a three-team shakeup that is as follows:<\/p>\n

Vecenie believes the Lakers would benefit from getting athletic end-of-the-bench players without giving up significant assets:<\/p>\n

\u201cFor some reason, Agbaji\u2019s shooting has abandoned him this season. Still, after hitting 40 percent from 3 last season, he\u2019s a reasonable reclamation project for a team with limited trade resources that needs to make a deal.<\/p>\n

Konchar is a typical 10th man, but would give the Lakers a smart player and a bit more depth with his wing experience, which they need. They\u2019re doing what they can to reshape the roster while not limiting their ability to make another deal using Maxi Kleber\u2019s and Rui Hachimura\u2019s expiring money.\u201d<\/p>\n

Though Konchar would be an okay addition for wing depth, Agbaji could be a solid backup plan in light of more unfortunate news about the Lakers\u2019 top targets. The pipe dream of landing Herb Jones <\/a>remains just that<\/a>, while discussions around Andrew Wiggins<\/a> and Keon Ellis<\/a> have stayed dormant.<\/p>\n

Lakers Could Capitalize on Agbaji\u2019s Down Year in Toronto<\/p>\n

Agbaji has taken a backseat<\/a> with the Raptors, averaging 4.2 points and 2.3 rebounds in nearly 16 minutes per game. However, his career year the season before\u201410.4 points and 0.9 steals on .498\/.399\/.708 splits\u2014perfectly illustrates the role he could fill if given the chance.<\/p>\n

\"NovNov 10, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) talks to Toronto Raptors guard Ochai Agbaji (30) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

At 6\u20195\u201d with a 6\u201910\u201d wingspan, Agbaji hounds opponents with active hands<\/a> and displays some surprising rim protection<\/a>. Offensively, he can knock down threes<\/a> off the catch and fly for the occasional highlight-worthy jam<\/a>. Those skills would be welcomed to a struggling Lakers bench void of athletic two-way players\u2014particularly with Jake LaRavia<\/a> excelling with the starters<\/a> as of late.<\/p>\n

Now that the Trae Young trade has opened the market, let’s hope Robert Todd Pelinka Jr can go out and get the Lakers a 2-way wing. Here’s some non-Herb Jones targets linked to the trade market so far<\/p>\n

A. Ochai Agbaji
B. Keon Ellis
C. Naji Marshall
D. Isaac Okoro<\/p>\n

Who’s your pick? pic.twitter.com\/NM90x8Rdz9<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 JSM (@JSMonYT) January 8, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

The Last Word<\/p>\n

As the trade deadline creeps closer and the Lakers\u2019 list of secondary targets<\/a> grows larger, the team may be better off making a marginal move while saving assets for a bigger trade. Agbaji could be just the player they\u2019re looking for, as the Lakers could put him in a better situation without sacrificing that coveted first-round pick in the process.<\/p>\n

LA remains fifth in the West at 23-13 overall, aiming to get back on track amid a two-game losing streak. The team\u2019s second unit will be under a microscope going forward, with fans hoping the front office gets active sooner than later.<\/p>\n

\u00a9 Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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