On top of having cap space to make moves in free agency, the more likely outcome is that the Lakers will use that flexibility to get involved in a trade as a third team.
The big trade of the week, and likely of the offseason as a whole, saw Giannis Antetokounmpo moved from the Bucks to the Heat. As it stands, the deal is a two-team trade, but multiple teams are knocking on the door in Milwaukee trying to get involved.
That includes the Lakers, who appear to have interest in Kel’el Ware. The big man
was part of the trade package Miami traded away to land Giannis. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Lakers have been linked to Ware in recent days.
Elsewhere, within league circles, there was palpable chatter about the Pistons hoping to get involved in the Antetokounmpo trade to land Herro, while dangling assets such as Isaiah Stewart, Ron Holland, Duncan Robinson, and draft compensation, league sources told HoopsHype. In addition, the Los Angeles Lakers were linked with trade interest in Kel’el Ware over the past couple of days, sources said.
Piggybacking off that, NBA reporter Jake Fischer said the Lakers have interest in Ware but the expectation is that Milwaukee will not be trading him.
Last season, Ware averaged 11.1 points and 9 rebounds in 22.1 minutes per contest. He shot 53% from the field and was able to stretch the floor, hitting 39.5% of his threes. He also had 137 dunks in 77 games, which is more than Jaxson Hayes or Deandre Ayton had last season for the Lakers, for context.
It’s clear to see, then, why the Lakers would target him. It’s also clear to see why the Bucks would want to keep him as well.
What this does show is that, perhaps, the Lakers are looking at young centers to acquire, which can help both solve a need the team has as well as preserve some of their cap space for other moves as well. It’s a smart strategy and approach…if they can pull it off.
The Bucks could be bluffing to try to hold out for more in a trade. Or they could genuinely be interested in keeping him. Either way, the Lakers should certainly test their reserve and continue looking for these types of opportunities across the league.
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.
