The Los Angeles Lakers made the Western Conference Finals during the 2023 NBA playoffs, and there’s no doubt that this was a solid outcome for the team, given the fact that they struggled for the majority of the season. However, their ultimate goal is clearly a championship in the LeBron James and Anthony Davis timeline, and it is obvious that they need to make further moves to get to that goal.
A recent report from NBA insider Darren Wolfson revealed that the Los Angeles Lakers have an interest in acquiring guard Jalen Suggs from the Orlando Magic. The Lakers notably have two free-agent guards, Dennis Schroder and D’Angelo Russell, and could be looking for a replacement.
“One of many storylines I’ll be following tonight: If Orlando goes guard at 6, do they then move former Minnehaha Academy standout, Jalen Suggs? Buzz is that the Lakers are one team with interest. Just turned 22, best ball ahead of him, already great defender.”
One of many storylines I’ll be following tonight: If Orlando goes guard at 6, do they then move former Minnehaha Academy standout Jalen Suggs? Buzz = #Lakers one team with interest. Just turned 22, best ball ahead of him, already great defender. pic.twitter.com/P4D8q9nzXH
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) June 22, 2023
The Orlando Magic selected Anthony Black with the No. 6 pick, and he is a player that plays both guard positions. That could definitely mean that Jalen Suggs will end up being on the move, as the team has a glut of guards between the two and players such as Cole Anthony and Markelle Fultz.
This season, Jalen Suggs averaged 9.9 PPG, 3.0 RPG, and 2.9 APG for the Orlando Magic while shooting 41.9% from the field and 32.7% from the 3PT range. Though his offense clearly needs work, his defense is very good, and perhaps he could develop on the Lakers.
The Lakers Could Target A Number Of Big-Time Players In A Trade
There is no doubt that the Los Angeles Lakers have the assets to make a swing trade, and it seems as though they have a number of targets in mind. It seems as though all of their trade targets are players that can stretch the floor next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
“The framework of a deal would likely involve Beasley, Bamba, and the No. 17 pick getting exchanged for a starter-level player. The Lakers could also execute a smaller deal with only one of Beasley or Bamba, plus, potentially, the pick. Names around the league that have been linked to the Lakers in recent weeks include Indiana’s Myles Turner and Buddy Hield, Brooklyn’s Dorian Finney-Smith and Royce O’Neale, Toronto’s Gary Trent Jr. and [Washington’s Kristaps Porzingis — just traded], according to multiple league sources not authorized to speak publicly.”
It will be interesting to see what the Los Angeles Lakers do with the No. 17 pick this season. This draft is fairly deep, and perhaps they could get a win-now contributor if a team values a prospect in that range.
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