As per usual, the Lakers have been linked to a whole heap of players as the trade deadline edges closer, but one insider thinks that LA may jjst make a few smaller moves instead of a big splash.
The Lakers have ben linked to players like Cam Johnson and big man Jonas Valaninas, but already gave up three second-round picks to land Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton from the Brooklyn Nets.
So the Lakers may face some challenges in the trade market going forward, according to insider Jovan Buha.
My sense lately, that Ive been hearing, has been trending more toward them making a smaller move and probably using second-round draft capital and the issue there is that their second-round draft capital isnt really worth that much because its their pick and the Clippers pick and both of those picks are projected right now to be between like 45 and 52 depending on where those two teams finish in the standings so those arent the sexiest second-round picks, Buha said on his podcast Buhas Block. You typically want a first half of the second round-type pick.
Since trading away back up center Christian Wood, the Lakers may look acquire a big to pair alongside Anthony Davis.
Valaninas is an option who likely wouldnt compromise the Lakers potential post-LeBron financial flexibility in 2026.
While Jake Fischer of The Stein Line wrote in mid-December that Robert Williams III was on the Lakers wishlist of bigs.
As for Johnson, hes on a 4-year , $94.5 million with the Nets, including $90 million guaranteed.
The Nets would loathe to move him for less than two first-round picks or the equivalent thereof,New York Posts Brian Lewis says.
In order to complythe Collective Bargaining Agreement, the Lakers, who are now $7.2 million over the first tax apron, would have to trade a mid-sized contract.
With all of this red tape, it may be much like the recent seasons before, where the Lakers have been one of the least exciting teams at the deadline.
Well just have to wait and see.
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