The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to turn around their offseason after a slow start and they may have to make a trade to do so.
Los Angeles lost its top free agent target when Klay Thompson opted to sign with the Dallas MavericksOther potential fit players like Jonas Valanciunas and James Harden have chosen other destinations. While DeMar DeRozan remains a possibility for the Lakers using their mid-level exception, time is running out to add impact players who can meet the conditions set by LeBron James. for accepting a pay cut.
With the rapid flow of free agents, the Lakers have reportedly been in trade talks with three franchises. Los Angeles is currently discussing potential deals with the Brooklyn Nets, Utah Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers, among others.
According to a report by Athletic Bilbao’s Jovan Buha:
Of course, it’s too early to count out the Lakers. There’s always the possibility they pull a rabbit out of the hat with a trade or signing. They’ve been active in recent days, discussing potential deals with Portland, Brooklyn and Utah, among other teams, according to league and team sources. Vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka tends to operate in the shadows — more so this summer than ever, according to league sources. It’s certainly possible he has a contingency plan in place that salvages the offseason.
The Lakers have been strongly connected to a movement Los Angeles has an expiring contract and can move him to facilitate a deal.
The offseason has been a disappointment for the franchise so far, but some moves have been made to improve the roster. Dalton Knecht fell to the Lakers on draft night and the franchise also signed promising forward Max Christie to a four-year, $32 million deal. But more needs to be done to turn the Lakers from a play-in-only team into a Western Conference contender.
It looks like Pelinka will have to find a trade partner to make a big upgrade for his team.