NBA
Will the Lakers make any more trades before the 2024 trade deadline?
The Los Angeles team is in a bind for the third consecutive deadline. They must decide whether to rely on LeBron and Davis or pay for a star player.
The Lakers must choose between relying on LeBron and Davis or paying for another star player for the third year in a row. They have various needs, including better defense, shooting, a backup center, and two-way players. Pelinka can move contracts, but only Reaves is valuable, but also, in the words of the Lakers front office, one of the rare players in their roster who is untouchable. Other options include D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Max Christie, Jalen Hood-Schifino, and Maxwell Lewis.
The Los Angeles Lakers have some flexibility in trading their first-round picks. They can trade one before February 8th and attach two additional first-rounders to trades starting in July. They also have a lot of second-round picks. However, the front office favors keeping the picks, which could make it harder for General Manager Rob Pelinka to make trades.
Pelinka has a reputation for overpaying, but he may face a challenging trade deadline this year. The team’s limited assets, a confusing 52-game sample size, and the superstar LeBron James’ impatience could make it difficult for Pelinka to complete a deal that satisfies everyone.
Lakers potential trades
Despite the challenges, the Lakers are reportedly interested in making moves and have been linked to a few potential trades. One scenario discussed involves the Brooklyn Nets, who are reportedly open to making deals. The Lakers could target Dorian Finney-Smith, Royce O’Neale, and/or Spencer Dinwiddie if negotiations with Dejounte Murray and the Atlanta Hawks fall through. However, some experts suggest that this scenario could be risky for the Lakers and that Pelinka should avoid it.
Three players could be valuable additions to the Lakers team. O’Neale can play the 3-and-D role, Dinwiddie could provide additional support as a shot creator, and DFS could offer an upgrade to Vanderbilt due to his 3-point shooting abilities. The Lakers should consider making a deal to acquire them. However, Pelinka must approach Sean Marks carefully since Darvin Ham has already been struggling with the current rotation, even without Vanderbilt or Cam Reddish. To improve their frontcourt, the Lakers must consolidate rather than expand it.