The Los Angeles Lakers have been relatively quiet thus far in the 2024 offseason. While they did bring on head coach JJ Redick and added new talent through the draft, they haven’t made any big splashes yet. This is in stark contrast to the usual offseason buzz that surrounds the purple and gold, with big names and rumors swirling around potential acquisitions.
Players like Jonas Valanciunas and Klay Thompson were rumored to be targets for the Lakers, but both ended up signing with other teams. This left Lakers nation feeling disappointed and eager for some exciting moves.
However, the Lakers aren’t done just yet. According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the team has been in talks with the Portland Trail Blazers, Utah Jazz, and Brooklyn Nets about potential trades. The rumor mill has been churning with speculation about possible trade targets for the Lakers.
One name that has come up in trade talk rumors is Jerami Grant of the Blazers. While Grant would be a solid fit for the Lakers as a 3-and-D wing, his hefty contract may be a deterrent for the team. Alternatively, players like Matisse Thybulle or Robert Williams III could be targets for the Lakers to bolster the roster and add depth.
The Nets have also been part of trade discussions with the Lakers, with players like Cameron Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith being mentioned as potential trade pieces. Both players could bring valuable skills to the Lakers and help shore up their lineup.
Moving on to the Jazz, the Lakers may have their sights set on Lauri Markkanen. The 27-year-old forward would be a valuable addition to the team, but his price tag may be too steep for the Lakers to afford. Other options for the Lakers could include Collin Sexton and Walker Kessler, both of whom could provide solid contributions to the team.
Overall, the Lakers are exploring their options and looking to make moves to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season. It remains to be seen if any of these trade talks will materialize into actual deals, but Lakers fans are hopeful for some exciting additions to the team in the near future.