New-Look Lakers Could Target Nets' Backup Big Man

Day'Ron Sharpe may land in Los Angeles with Luka Doncic.

Jan 29, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Day'Ron Sharpe (20) during pre game warm ups against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images / Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers shocked the basketball world early Sunday morning with their acquisition of Luka Doncic. General manager Rob Pelinka shipped out Anthony Davis in exchange for the generational talent, creating an urgent need for frontcourt depth.

As of today, the Lakers will be forced to play either Jaxson Hayes or Maxi Kleber at the five.

However, with a little help from Los Angeles' trade partner just 35 days ago, they can fill the newly-created void.

Back on Dec. 29, the Lakers and Brooklyn Nets struck a deal, sending Dorian Finney-Smith to Southern California to orchestrate D'Angelo Russell's homecoming to King's County.

While Feb. 6's trade deadline looms, Day'Ron Sharpe could soon join his former teammate in the purple and gold.

Brian Lewis of the New York Post explained potential interest from the Western Conference's five-seed in an article published on Jan. 31.

"The Lakers are keeping an eye on Sharpe after Anthony Davis prodded them to add another big man," Lewis wrote.

Additionally, ClutchPoints reported that Los Angeles originally wanted Sharpe as part of the Finney-Smith deal. Just over a month and one blockbuster trade later, Brooklyn may now be willing to comply with the Lakers' wishes.

Despite beginning the 2024-25 campaign nursing a nagging hamstring injury, Sharpe has been playing his best basketball of the season as of late. The 23-year-old is averaging a career-high 7.9 points per game in relief of Nic Claxton, who's experiencing a bit of a down year.

Prior to the Doncic deal, Sharpe reaffirmed his focus on helping the Nets succeed.

“I don’t tend to think about it,” Sharpe told Lewis. “I just go out there and play hard, you know? Whatever comes, comes with it, God willing. So it is what it is.” 

The only hindrance to a Sharpe-Lakers pairing would be Brooklyn's return package. After adding Doncic and dealing Davis, the team is strapped for future assets, especially draft capital.

Would Los Angeles be willing to part ways with Dalton Knecht in hopes of adding a consistent anchor? It doesn't seem likely.

The logistics would have to be worked out by Pelinka and Nets GM Sean Marks, but another trade between the two sides seems like a logical move for both.

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