The Lakers haven’t made any significant roster moves during the season so far, but they have a couple more weeks to do so before the NBA trade deadline arrives.
While the team hasn’t officially stated the ways they might want to improve in the immediate future, we do have some reports hinting at the direction they want to go.
For starters, getting younger appears to be a key for Los Angeles. That makes sense given that their biggest star is now Luka Dončić, who is 26 years old and all moves the Lakers
do must be based on building sustainable winning for years to come.
On a recent episode of “The Kevin O’Connor Show,” Kevin discussed a way the Lakers could gain the assets needed by trading away their first-round pick for multiple future firsts as part of a trade package.
Kevin O’Connor: “Now, the really interesting thing with them is they’ve been shopping around their future 2032 first round pick for multiple first round draft picks similar to what the Suns did a year ago when they traded their 2031 pick to the Jazz for three lesser firsts in ‘25, ‘27 and ‘29. So, it seems like the Lakers are looking for two or three than future firsts that are worse individually than their future firsts, giving them more parts to put together in Vincent-plus-Vanderbilt or Vincent-plus-Kleber types of packages.”
As O’Connor mentioned, the Suns made a similar move last year, trading away their 2031 first for three lesser first-round picks.
If Lakers President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka can turn his draft pick into two or three and then acquire the wing they need before the Jan. 5 deadline, this would be one of his most impressive trades he’s done.
This type of deal would make a ton of sense for LA. It would increase their limited draft capital, and if it brings in a young wing, like say Herb Jones, that’d be a great move for the franchise.
It’s been reported that the Lakers called the Pelicans about Jones, but the price point was above LA’s means. If they can offer multiple firsts instead of one, maybe that’s enough to convince New Orleans to part with Jones.
The most recent reports indicate the Pelicans aren’t interested in parting with Jones or any of their other core players, but it’s an ongoing situation and things can always change.
Besides Jones, there are other young wings the Lakers can try to trade for. Players like Jonathan Kuminga have connected with LA, and it’s clear when you watch this team that adding wing depth would be a great way to improve this roster.
Now, it’s a matter of execution, and if Pelinka can find the right partner to help him execute this multifaceted deal.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
