There are three ways to improve the roster in the offseason between the NBA Draft, free agency and trades. Of course for the Los Angeles Lakers, trades have been the calling card of the franchise and the front office completely changed the fortunes of this team both in the short and long-term with some mid-season trades.
With the offseason now here for the Lakers, the front office will be looking to bolster the roster around the trio of Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves and a trade or two could very well be in the works. What the Lakers could offer in a deal is extremely important, but Rob Pelinka and the front office have some assets to work with.
According to Dan Woike of the L.A. Times, rival executives view the Lakers’ 2031 first-round pick, as well as wing Dalton Knecht, as the team’s best assets they could offer in a trade outside of Reaves:
According to rival scouts and executives, the Lakers best’ assets (minus Reaves) are their 2031 first-round pick, second year wing Dalton Knecht and a bunch of expiring contracts. Some combination of them would be a must in any deal the team would make for a center.
With Knecht on a rookie contract, other players would have to be included in a trade in order to make the salaries work. Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber are all entering the final year of their deals and make up about $40 million combined. Dorian Finney-Smith would also be an expiring should he opt-in to the final year of his contract and is worth around $15 million. Jarred Vanderbilt could also be included in a potential deal, though he isn’t on an expiring contract.
While the Lakers don’t have a massive stash of draft picks and promising prospects like other teams, they do still have plenty to work with when it comes to making a trade and Pelinka will be having a lot of conversations this summer in looking to make the right moves to lift this team into championship contention.
Daniel Gafford & Nic Claxton most commonly linked centers to Lakers
It is well known that the center position is one in which the Lakers need to upgrade in a big way and there are already some names being mentioned as possible trade possibilities.
Dallas Mavericks big Daniel Gafford and Brooklyn Nets big Nic Claxton are the two centers being linked most commonly to the Lakers early in the offseason and both fit the mold of the ideal big man to pair with Luka Doncic on pick-and-rolls while also providing rim protection on defense.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!
