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NBA Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers open to moving young core for right offer

By Michael Saenz

ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 26: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives the basket against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on February 26, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 26: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives the basket against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on February 26, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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NBA Rumors: The Los Angeles Lakers are open to trading their young core if the right trade offer comes together this summer

The Los Angeles Lakers, like many other teams in the NBA at the moment, love their young core, but aren’t exactly married to it.

And who wouldn’t be excited about the potential of Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma and potentially Julius Randle (if he is re-signed). They’re really young, promising prospects. At the same time, if something better comes along – or is presented – don’t be surprised if the Lakers jump at the opportunity to take a shortcut in their current rebuilding process.

After all, what team wouldn’t welcome the surprise of, say, a LeBron James, Paul George or DeMarcus Cousins?

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According to Tania Ganguli of the Los Angeles Times, the Lakers aren’t ruling out the possibility of a trade involving some of the pieces in their young core. In the words of Ganguli, none of the Lakers’ young core pieces are “untouchable” as a potentially chaotic summer draws near.

"To be clear, the Lakers are not actively shopping any of their players. They are willing to listen to offers and could move one of them — even a member of the talented young cadre of Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram or Josh Hart — if an offer blows them away."

The likes of LeBron, Boogie Cousins, Kawhi Leonard (maybe, depending on which reports you’re willing to believe) and Paul George could all be on the move this summer, and it feels like a summer in which the sign-and-trade makes a roaring comeback.

It’s no secret that Magic Johnson would love to use its cap space straight up to lock down one of these prized free agents. Although, if George elects to re-sign with the Oklahoma City Thunder, or sees a better future with the Clippers, and if Boogie and LeBron both re-sign, don’t be surprised if the Lakers test the waters on a potential Kawhi trade.

Must Read: NBA Rumors: Could the Suns use the top pick to trade for Karl-Anthony Towns?

That would likely almost have to include one, or more, of their young pieces.

The summer of 2018 has the potential to be one of the craziest NBA offseasons in recent history. And you can bet the Lakers will want in on some of the fun.

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