Lakers Trade Rumors: 3 Players LA Could Target With Kyrie Irving Staying In Brooklyn

The Los Angeles Lakers' pursuit of Kyrie Irving effectively ended with the announcement that Kevin Durant won't be traded. Now that the Brooklyn Nets are keeping their core together, L.A. must look elsewhere to make a significant addition for the 2022-23 NBA season.

Nearly two months after the start of free agency, a handful of players appear to be on the Lakers' radar. Patrick Beverley and Bojan Bogdanovic are possible trade candidates for Los Angeles, The Athletic's Shams Charania said on "The Pat McAfee Show."

The Utah Jazz are seemingly looking to rebuild the roster after trading Rudy Gobert and exploring trades for Donovan Mitchell. Because Beverley and Bogdanovic are both veterans in their 30s who are in the final year of their contracts, Utah would likely be more than willing to trade them for draft assets.

Beverley could be a boost to a Lakers' defense that desperately needs improving. The guard has been an NBA All-Defense selection three times in his career.

Los Angeles had the West's No. 1 defense two seasons ago and during its 2020 championship run. Only three teams in the conference gave up more points per possession than the Lakers last season.

Bogdanovic would improve Los Angeles' shooting. The forward has shot at least 38.7% from 3-point range in six straight seasons. Bogdanovic averaged 18.1 points and 4.3 rebounds in 69 games a season ago.

The Lakers ranked 22nd in 3-point percentage for the 2021-2022 season.

As far as free agents go, Dennis Schroder is a legitimate consideration for the Lakers, according to NBA insider Marc Stein. The point guard averaged 13.5 points and 4.6 assists for the Boston Celtics and Houston Rockets last season.

Schroder started 61 games for the Lakers in the 2020-21 season. The veteran averaged 15.4 points and 5.8 assists during Los Angeles' unsuccessful championship defense, but his one year in L.A. was a disappointment. Schroder was held to an average of 2.8 assists and 40% field-goal shooting as the Lakers were eliminated by the Phoenix Suns over six games in a first-round playoff series.

The Lakers have been unable to trade Russell Westbrook this offseason. Westbrook has one year and $47.1 million left on his contract.

LeBron James will be with the Lakers for at least two more seasons. James recently signed a two-year, $97.1 million extension that includes a player option for the 2024-25 season.