Despite the Los Angeles Lakers’ improved play of late, many of their fans have clamored for a sense of urgency when it comes to making a trade to improve the team.
The Lakers, however, have been patient. It seems they want to maximize the return on their limited trade assets.
Their only such assets are Russell Westbrook, whom they’re more reluctant to trade now that he’s playing better; guard Patrick Beverley, who has been struggling mightily; and Kendrick Nunn, who is likely still a good player but has seen sporadic playing time.
In addition, they have two future first-round draft picks they’re allowed to attach in any potential deal per NBA rules, 2027 and 2029.
Those fans who have been dreaming of a deal going down now that players signed in the offseason can be traded should keep dreaming for a little while.
Via Lakers Daily:
“Los Angeles now has more options in the trade market now that players who signed deals this past offseason can be traded, but it doesn’t appear that the team will rush into a deal.
“‘Not for at least two to four weeks (the end of December through mid-January), according to multiple league sources with knowledge of their plans,’ The Athletic’s Jovan Buha wrote.
“‘NBA trade history shows that trades don’t happen until January on the early side. Most happen within the final week of the trade deadline. There are exceptions, of course, and the Lakers hope to be one of them.'”
Waiting a little while to pull the trigger on a potential deal may be prudent given the Lakers’ overall situation, as they’re under pressure to make something out of LeBron James’ final productive years.
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