The Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers could both use roster shakeups during the 2024 offseason in preparation for the 2024-2025 season. Milwaukee is not getting any younger and they need to get younger and Los Angeles is in win-now mode in a very tough Western Conference.

May 2, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) holds the ball while Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) defends during game six of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
The Bucks have lost in the first round of the NBA Playoffs for the last two years. They were ousted in six games against the Indiana Pacers. Milwaukee was the third seed in the Eastern Conference. Damian Lillard missed Games 4 and 5 due to injury and Giannis Antetokounmpo missed the entire series due to a left calf strain.

May 2, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) catches the ball while Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) defends during game six of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Fran Leiva of fadeawayworld.net mentioned a trade idea for the Bucks and the Lakers this offseason. Milwaukee would be receiving from Los Angeles D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, a 2024 first-round pick (17th overall), and a 2029 first-round pick for Damian Lillard.

Some of the reasoning that Leiva gave for the Lakers and the Bucks making this trade is as follows:

“The Lakers’ decision to trade for Lillard is driven by the need to maximize the remaining years of LeBron James’ career, with hopes that Lillard can be a pivotal part of another championship run. Lillard, despite a down year, still managed solid numbers, averaging 24.3 points, 7.0 assists, and 4.4 rebounds over 73 games. On the other side, D’Angelo Russell had a strong season, particularly shining from beyond the arc. His season averages were 18.0 points, 6.3 assists, and 3.1 rebounds across 76 games, proving his value as a reliable scoring and playmaking option. However, his playoff performance was less impressive, underscoring a need for consistency in high-stakes games.”

This Would Be an Excellent Trade For What the Los Angeles Lakers Need But the Milwaukee Bucks Feel Committed to Building Around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard

Apr 29, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) steals the ball away from Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) in the third quarter during game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
The Lakers need a scoring guard to help them get over the top in the Western Conference. Anthony Davis and Lebron James were not the reason why Los Angeles lost in five games this season against the Denver Nuggets. D’Angelo Russell disappeared in big spots for the Los Angeles Lakers.

This would not be a good move for the Milwaukee Bucks because they are committed to making it work with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard as the top two players. They need to get younger around them both, not trade either of them. However, if they did go through with this trade, D’Angelo Russell is 28 years old and Austin Reaves is 25 years old.
Apr 29, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) controls the ball ahead of Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) in the third quarter during game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Russell averaged 18.0 PPG and Reaves averaged 15.9 PPG this season for the Los Angeles Lakers. Also, the Bucks would be able to find a player to hopefully help them out in the future with that first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Many people have said it is a weak NBA Draft class. Lillard is 33 years old and averaged 24.8 PPG this season for the Milwaukee Bucks and would be a huge gain for the Los Angeles Lakers, but don’t count on it happening for them.

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