NBA Trade Rumors: The Los Angeles Lakers have two very valuable trade assets but they’re only going to move them for the proper return.
The Los Angeles Lakers have played a tad better as of late but there’s still a sense that this team needs to make a major trade (or upgrade) if they’re going to factor into the Western Conference this season.
If the Lakers do make a big move, it will likely revolve around Russell Westbrook and their two trade-eligible future first-round picks. However, the Lakers have high demands for what they want in exchange for any of their future picks (as they should).
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Lakers aren’t trading their future first-round picks unless in will bring an all-star talent in return.
Who the Los Angeles Lakers could target with their future first-round picks
If that is the baseline for a trade that involves the Lakers’ future first-round picks, there are a few things that we can gather. For one, they’re probably not going to pull the trigger on the rumored Russell Westbrook and two future first-round picks for Buddy Hield and Myles Turner.
Unless Indiana changes its tune and would be willing to accept just one of the team’s future first-round picks, I highly doubt that deal is happening.
Second, there’s a high likelihood that the Lakers don’t end up making a huge deal at the trade deadline. It’s clear that the Lakers don’t view themselves as desperate to make a deal. Unless the right one comes up, they’re not going to burn their two great assets.
So, who could the Lakers realistically target at this year’s NBA Trade Deadline? Are there any “all-star” talents that could be moved? Would John Collins be considered an “all-star” talent? Doubtful.
We already discussed Turner and Hield. They likely don’t fit the bill either. Julius Randle doesn’t fill the role either. Gordon Hayward is likely passed his prime and is constantly injured. Bojan Bogdanovic would be interesting but I believe that isn’t happening either.
There are two possible names that I would keep an eye on – Bradley Beal and DeMar DeRozan. Both the Washington Wizards and Chicago Bulls have begun to fade this season and should be open to the possibility of a rebuild.
Neither of those teams is there yet but I’m sure those are two situations that the Lakers are keeping their eyes on.