Even though they missed out on the greatest free agents in the NBA this summer, the Los Angeles Lakers still intend to improve the group that centers on LeBron James and Anthony Davis. League insider Jake Weinbach reports that the team has prioritized eight players as possible trade targets.
“The Lakers’ list of potential trade targets: Darius Garland, Bruce Brown, Collin Sexton, Lauri Markkanen, Jerami Grant, Cam Johnson, Dorian Finney-Smith, Wendell Carter Jr.,” Weinbach stated. “I don’t foresee anything to be imminent but watch for these names to become frequently linked to the Lakers.”
The Lakers believed that they needed to make changes in order to get better following another poor season that concluded against the Nuggets in the first round. This summer, the Purple and Gold were said to be interested in a number of well-known players. However, they were unsuccessful in their pursuit of any of them, and as a result, they were forced to watch as competition signed Paul George, DeMar DeRozan, and Klay Thompson.
The Lakers appear much the same as they did a year ago, save from a new coach and two inexperienced rookies, but they still have intentions to make changes.
Arguably, the player that makes the most sense for the Lakers is Wendell Carter Jr. The big guy, 25, would strengthen the Lakers’ front line as an excellent rim protector and great athlete. The nicest part of all is that Carter would just cost a small amount of money—roughly the same as a few second-round selections and Rui Hachimura.
The more costly but aspirational pick is jazz musician Lauri Markkanen. The 7’0″ swingman’s development took a while, but now that he’s settled in, his flexibility on both ends of the court places him among the best 20 players in the game. He finished the previous season with a 48% shooting average of 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks per game.
The Lakers do have some depth in the backcourt with Dalton Knecht and Austin Reaves, but it’s unclear how much of an impact D’Angelo Russell will have. It’s no secret that the Lakers are hoping to replace D’Lo with someone better, and Colin Sexton and Darius Garland would be suitable choices.
In Portland, Damian Lillard’s departure has put veteran swingman Jerami Grant up for trade. Even though Grant is just beginning a four-year, $131 million contract, he has the ability to improve a Lakers squad that is eager to return to the postseason. Grant may flourish in a role as the third option behind LeBron and Davis, having averaged 21.0 points per game for the Blazers the previous season.
Naturally, the Brooklyn Nets are also available for business following the Mikal Bridges trade. Should the Lakers take advantage of this, they may acquire Dorian Finney-Smith or Cam Johnson, two wing players who may provide versatility to the team.
It’s obvious that general manager Rob Pelinka is swishing his net wider than ever in an attempt to improve the Lakers’ prospects of winning the West. LeBron James is one of the finest players in the world, and he is only 39 years old. If the Lakers can surround him with enough talent and depth, they have a chance to compete with the league’s best players.
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