There are four NBA stars under 30 years old the Los Angeles Lakers should target to improve their championship chances this season and set up their future at the same time.

The Los Angeles Lakers have to make some moves and if not, there could be major trouble for their championship chances along with some people’s jobs – possibly Rob Pelinka’s.

Pelinka has done his best to try to surround LeBron James and Anthony Davis with the right pieces since their championship win in 2020 but has fallen short every year. Before the February trade deadline, all eyes will be on Pelinka and the Lakers to make the right moves before time runs out.

The Lakers are reportedly ready to give up three first-round picks if it means bringing in the right player, and that is very good news for Lakers fans.

LeBron James and Anthony Davis have held their own on the court this season, and so has Austin Reaves, but they need more help to overcome the talent that is ahead of them in the West.

The Lakers do not want to give up their future assets if it means they bring in a player who won’t move the needle much, so they also have to consider the future of the franchise under JJ Redick.

James is turning 40 years old in a few days and won’t be a Laker forever, so the franchise has to target players that fit within their timeline: a star in his prime with potential to improve over the next few seasons.

The Lakers will have to focus on one of the four top targets for them this season, who is under 30 years old and can contribute to a title contender right away. Let’s break down the four stars the Lakers can target immediately.

LaMelo Ball

Age: 23

2024-25 Season Statistics: 30.0 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 7.5 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Potential Trade Package: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2031 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2025 Second-Round Pick (LAL)

At just 23 years old, LaMelo Ball has already established himself as one of the premier young stars in the NBA. Averaging an impressive 30.0 points, 7.5 assists, and 5.3 rebounds per game this season, Ball is thriving as the centerpiece of the Charlotte Hornets.

His elite playmaking and scoring abilities make him an ideal fit for the Los Angeles Lakers, particularly alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Ball’s ability to stretch the floor (shooting 37.0% from three over his career) and create opportunities for his teammates would address the Lakers’ lack of consistent offensive creators.

Ball’s youth and dynamic style of play also make him an investment in the Lakers’ future. With LeBron nearing the end of his career, the Lakers need a young star to bridge the gap between their current era and the next. It also helps that Ball is under contract, with an increasing salary every season until his $43,582,280 that will be paid in 2027-28.

LaMelo’s versatility as a ball-handler, facilitator, and scorer ensures that he can thrive in any system while maintaining star-level production for years to come. His ability to run the offense in transition and set a high pace complements the Lakers’ up-tempo play when they’re at their best.

To acquire Ball, the Lakers would likely have to part with D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, and valuable 2029 and 2031 first-round picks (along with a second-round pick). While this is a steep price, bringing in a generational talent like Ball is a move worth making. His all-around game and youthful energy would inject life into the Lakers’ title hopes this season while setting them up for sustained success beyond LeBron’s tenure.

Anfernee Simons

Age: 25

2024-25 Season Statistics: 17.4 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 4.8 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Potential Trade Package: D’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)

Anfernee Simons may not be a household name, but his talent and skill set make him a compelling option for the Lakers. The 25-year-old is averaging 17.4 points and 4.8 assists per game this season, proving himself as an efficient scorer and secondary playmaker.

Simons’ ability to shoot from deep (career 38.1% from three) addresses the Lakers’ need for consistent perimeter scoring, which has been a glaring weakness throughout the season. The youngster is also under contract for next season at $27,678,571 as well, so there is no need to worry about a new contract immediately.

Simons would provide much-needed offensive versatility, offering the ability to create his own shot or play off the ball. His quick release and catch-and-shoot efficiency would allow him to thrive alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, both of whom attract significant defensive attention. Simons’ youth and controlled contract make him a cost-effective addition to the Lakers’ rotation, offering production without overburdening the payroll.

While Simons isn’t the star name Lakers fans might dream of, his acquisition could still be impactful. A trade involving D’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, and the valuable 2029 first-round pick would likely suffice to land him. The Lakers would gain a younger, more dynamic offensive weapon, setting them up as a more balanced and dangerous contender in the West.

Trae Young

Age: 26

2024-25 Season Statistics: 21.8 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 12.0 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Potential Trade Package: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)

Trae Young’s ability to orchestrate an offense is unmatched, as demonstrated by his league-leading 12.0 assists per game this season. While his scoring (21.8 PPG) has dipped slightly, Young remains one of the NBA’s most electrifying point guards and a bonafide clutch performer.

His skill set—highlighted by elite court vision and the ability to score from anywhere on the court—makes him a dream fit for the Lakers, especially alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Young’s knack for creating opportunities would elevate the entire roster, unlocking easier looks for shooters and bigs alike.

Young’s defensive limitations are well-known, but the Lakers’ defensive structure, anchored by Davis, would help mitigate those concerns. Meanwhile, Young’s offensive firepower would allow the Lakers to keep pace with top Western Conference teams like the Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns. Pairing Young’s ability to take over games late with LeBron’s leadership and AD’s two-way dominance could create a formidable championship trio.

The proposed trade package, which includes D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jalen Hood-Schifino, and a 2029 first-round pick, represents a significant investment but one worth making. By acquiring Young, the Lakers would secure a proven star capable of carrying the team beyond LeBron’s era while giving them a shot at immediate title contention.

Zach LaVine

Age: 29

2024-25 Season Statistics: 21.7 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 4.1 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Potential Trade Package: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, 2025 Second-Round Pick (LAL)

Zach LaVine is the most exciting scorer on this list after LaMelo Ball, boasting a versatile offensive arsenal that would elevate the Lakers’ attack under JJ Redick. Averaging 21.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists this season, LaVine remains one of the league’s premier wing scorers although he is set for free agency after next season (he has a $48,967,380 player option in 2026-27).

His athleticism and ability to create his own shot in isolation or attack closeouts would provide the Lakers with another dynamic scoring option to take pressure off LeBron James and Anthony Davis. LaVine’s shooting is particularly valuable, as he’s a career 38.5% shooter from beyond the arc (including 43.6% this season).

His ability to space the floor and hit contested shots in critical moments would complement the Lakers’ star duo perfectly. Additionally, LaVine’s athleticism and transition scoring fit seamlessly with the Lakers’ fast-paced style of play, offering immediate dividends in both regular-season and playoff settings.

To land LaVine without including Austin Reaves, the Lakers would need to send D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and a future second-round pick. While the price might seem steep, LaVine’s scoring and shot creation would be a significant upgrade for the Lakers, making them a more formidable force in the West. LaVine is also only 29 years old, meaning he could remain a key contributor for several years, bridging the gap between the LeBron era and the franchise’s future.