The Los Angeles Lakers are poised for a deep playoff run but are still on the lookout for roster improvements. While they have established a competitive squad, addressing certain gaps is crucial for their championship aspirations. Key areas for enhancement include securing a starting-caliber defensive center and bolstering their backcourt and wing positions.

This offseason, the Lakers may consider trading for Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons. At 25 years old, Simons is showcasing a promising trajectory, averaging 19.3 points and 4.8 assists per game, with a respectable 36.3% shooting from beyond the arc. However, acquiring him could prove challenging due to his contract, which pays $27.68 million next season. The Lakers may need to part with valuable assets like Austin Reaves, which they have hesitated to do in previous trade talks. The potential pairing of Simons with stars like LeBron James could create a formidable offensive threat.