Lakers Set Sights on Acquiring 2 Big-time Stars in The History of NBA Trades And…
The subpar Los Angeles Lakers have every motive to be active before the NBA trade deadline on February 8. Even earlier in January, head coach Darvin Ham mentioned this, making it evident that they are working hard behind the scenes.
It remains to be seen if the 22-22 Lakers, with their current dearth of assets, can locate a needle-mover. Dejounte Murray, an All-Star guard for the Atlanta Hawks, has been connected to them. But that prospect is still uncertain because there is only one future first-round pick available to give up during the season.
We do know, though, that LeBron James and the Lakers are not necessarily operating in the same capacity at the moment. They’re hardly among the elite title candidates; they’re seventh in the Western Conference. We do know, though, that LeBron James and the Lakers are not necessarily operating in the same capacity at the moment. They’re hardly among the elite title candidates; they’re seventh in the Western Conference.
Now that the 2023–24 season is almost over, there’s a good probability general manager Rob Pelinka and the company may decide to wait to make any significant decisions. The Lakers would then be in a position to sign a high-profile player in the summer.
According to recent reports from ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the Lakers are reportedly discussing internally trading three first-round picks plus players for either Atlanta Hawks player Trae Young or star guard Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
To execute a deal this massive, the Lakers would have to wait until the 2024 NBA Draft. They will then have the opportunity to present three potential first-round picks.
However, this still looks like a wishful idea. With a 26-15 record on the year, Cleveland holds the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference.
Despite their ongoing troubles as a squad (18-25 this season), Atlanta has not demonstrated any genuine desire to deal with young. King James will put pressure on the Lakers to make a major statement, whether it’s in the upcoming weeks leading up to the NBA trade deadline or in the summer. He won’t wrap out his illustrious career with a subpar squad.
Here, the question is whether James is aware of the Lakers’ current predicament. They will have a better chance of pulling off a blockbuster move this summer rather than before February 8.