The Los Angeles Lakers are considering a significant trade that could improve their three-point shooting by acquiring Michael Porter Jr. from the Nuggets. Moving reliable role player Austin Reaves would bring in Porter Jr. along with Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent and a 2029 first-round pick. His impressive career three-point percentage of 40.9% would help bolster defenses, benefiting stars Anthony Davis and LeBron James. While Reaves has proven valuable, Porter Jr.’s offensive improvement could make the Lakers a stronger contender in the West.

Through the numbers

• Porter Jr. has shot better than 39% from three-point range in five of his six NBA seasons.
• The Nuggets are 9-6 through the first 15 games of the 2024-25 season, thanks in part to Porter Jr.’s shooting.

Yes but

Although Porter Jr. offers significant shooting upside, his defensive limitations could be a concern. The Lakers would need to address these weaknesses while also compensating for the loss of Reaves, who has become a trusted player for James.

state of affairs

• The Lakers are evaluating their roster given below-average three-point shooting to begin the season.
• Porter Jr. would have a dramatic impact on the Lakers’ spacing and offensive efficiency if acquired.

What’s next?

If the Lakers move forward with this trade, they could expect an immediate increase in their offensive output, which would make them a more formidable team in the Western Conference.

Conclusion

The move for Michael Porter Jr. could be a game-changing move for the Lakers, boosting their championship ambitions despite the potential loss of a key role player like Austin Reaves.