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One of the biggest headlines? D'Angelo Russell is out. The Lakers traded him, Maxwell Lewis, and three second-round picks to Brooklyn for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton. It's a solid trade, Finney-Smith gives them a tough, defensive wing who can knock down threes, and Milton adds some depth in the backcourt. Losing Russell stings, but the Lakers needed more balance.

Of course, trades don't just change lineups - they shake up the betting world too. With in play bets, odds move in real-time based on what's happening on the court. According to Ciaran McEneaney from Card Player, there are several types of live bets including player props and match props that are impacted when a team like the Lakers pulls off a major trade. This means that sharp bettors react fast while the match is ongoing.

The Myles Turner trade rumors are heating up, again. Lakers fans have been dreaming about this for a while, and this time, it might actually happen. The deal on the table is Rui Hachimura and a 2029 top-5 protected first-round pick to Indiana for Turner. The big man is a perfect fit, elite shot-blocker that can stretch the floor and would let AD slide back to power forward, where he's happiest. The only issue is the Pacers aren't in a rush to give him up.

Then there's the De'Aaron Fox talk. Fox is averaging 26.1 points per game, and he'd be an absolute game-changer. Imagine him running alongside LeBron and AD -that's scary. But pulling off this trade would hurt. The Kings want Austin Reaves, Max Christie, and Rui Hachimura. Giving up Reaves wouldn't be easy - he's a fan favorite - but if the Lakers want a legit third star, this might be their best shot.

Although Chris Paul is pushing 40, the athlete still knows how to run an offense. The Spurs might send CP3 and Zach Collins to LA in exchange for Hachimura and Jalen Hood-Schifino. It's a gamble, but a high-IQ playmaker like Paul could make life easier for LeBron and AD in the playoffs.

Not all the trade talks are about superstars, though. The Lakers are eyeing Kelly Olynyk and Davion Mitchell from the Raptors. Hachimura and Christian Wood would head to Toronto. While Olynyk gives them a stretch big, Mitchell brings defense and energy off the bench. It's not flashy, but it fills key gaps.

Another sneaky move is Nick Richards from Charlotte. The Lakers need more size, and Richards is a solid rim protector. They'd likely send Hood-Schifino, Jaxson Hayes, and a 2025 second-round pick to the Hornets for him. Not a blockbuster, but it could help AD stay fresh by giving him more minutes at power forward.

One thing that could also impact the Lakers playoff push is LeBron's workload. He's in his 22nd season, and while he's still playing at an insane level, the team has to take managing minutes seriously. That's why these potential trades matter, the Lakers need reliable depth so LeBron doesn't have to carry as much of the load in the regular season.

The Western Conference is stacked, and the Lakers know they can't afford to stay the same. Teams like the Nuggets, Suns, and Clippers are all making moves, so standing pat isn't really an option. If they don't act fast, they might fall behind in the race for a top playoff spot.

There's also the question of chemistry. Making trades is one thing, but building a team that actually fits together is another. Sometimes, adding a star doesn't guarantee success, just look at how some superteams have flopped in the past. The Lakers need to make sure whoever they bring in can mesh well with LeBron and AD.

Where does this leave the Lakers? Well, it all depends on what they do next. If they land a big fish like Fox or Turner, they're instantly in the contender conversation. But if they hold off and bank on their current roster, they might not have enough firepower to keep up in the West.

Time is running out. LeBron isn't getting any younger, and the Lakers know they can't waste another season. Whether it’s a blockbuster trade or a low-key upgrade, the next move could make or break their playoff run.