At this point, it has been well documented that Lakers GM Rob Pelinka values his team’s last reaming first-round picks very highly. Even after last season’s disaster, and a 13-18 record so far this season, he has resisted the pressure to give up the picks for some much-needed help for his stars.
For Pelinka, the belief has always been that it’s better to save those picks and preserve their future instead of giving them up for a trade that won’t result in a championship anyway.
And while Anthony Davis‘ injury has made it more unlikely that L.A. will trade their picks, there is a scenario where they might consider giving them up.
Arguably the biggest question following Davis’ injury is how it will affect the Lakers’ approach on the trade market? The answer varies depending on who you talk to.
There are several factors the Lakers are currently weighing: Davis’ injury and timeline; the contract lengths of potential trade targets; the timing of the trade market; the value of their first-round picks; and the team’s ceiling, both in the short and long term.
Davis’ injury has increased the probability that the only move the Lakers make is a smaller trade featuring, at most, one first-round pick, sources with knowledge of the Lakers’ plans told The Athletic. The one exception is if a star that can grow alongside Davis over the next few years becomes available.
But the most likely trade outcome, at this point, is some form of Patrick Beverley, Kendrick Nunn and either the 2027 or 2029 first-round pick (likely protected) for a 3-and-D wing or combo forward that fits well next Davis and James, those sources said.
Anthony Davis’ injury has increased the probability that the only move the Lakers make is a smaller trade featuring, at most, one first-round pick, sources tell @jovanbuha.
But there is an exception.https://t.co/1nB3W4eUWj pic.twitter.com/JhOwOWMJFC
— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) December 22, 2022
The Lakers don’t have many assets to work with right now, so there’s only so much they can do before the deadline. But if the right star becomes available, those highly coveted picks could bring in high-impact players.
Bulls Star Zach LaVine Could Be Next In Line To Join The Lakeshow
Amid rising tensions in Chicago, Zach Lavine’s availability is suddenly a topic of conversation ahead of the deadline. And as a team with nothing else to lose, the Lakers will likely be among his most aggressive pursuers.
With a guy like LaVine, the Lakers may not be the favorites to win the title, but they would be in a better situation in the long term and could save the twilight years of LeBron James.
But whether it’s LaVine or some other big-name star, don’t be surprised if the Lakers bring in some last-minute reinforcements this season.
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