Sit down from just 7 to 12, Wednesday night match with portland trailblazersit’s not exactly the latest news los angeles lakers We may make a deal or two this season.After all, the team Related to Russell Westbrook’s various potential deals To go on a calendar year.
However, the team is reportedly still discussing internally how much of a transformation they want.Jovan Buha of The Athletic told Allen Sliwa: The latest episode of ESPN LA’s “Lakers Talk” radio show The front office may actually be leaning toward smaller deals, including Kendrick Nunn and Patrick Beverly’s midsize deals, rather than trying to build a Westbrook package (emphasis mine):
“I know Russell Westbrook trade rumors are circulating. Teams are still actively trying to trade him., though they’re not sure what they want to do with the picks. , was really successful in the first shooting guard role… Kendrick Nunn has not lived up to his contract. , and this season has been really inconsistent. And while Patrick Beverley is still showing solid defense, he’s averaging his career-lowest 3-point percentage and offensively doesn’t matter at all.
“So I think Looking specifically at Pat and Kendrick, these are two names that have come up a lot in potential deals. The Lakers could get around $20 million in bulk with these players, and then potentially get a first-round pick, and suddenly there are a number of players making back salaries of $22 million to over $25 million. There are options, and throwing in picks might bring back a high-level starter or two for rebuilding teams looking to cut some salaries. “
Now, why would the Lakers move Westbrook to bring back a theoretically better player at a higher price that could further improve this group’s advantage over what they get for Nunn and Beverly? Buha explained how the team evaluated it and reported that they were leaning toward making smaller changes (again, my emphasize something).
“The Lakers are now moving putts, moving Kendrick, moving them both with the pick, and Russ off the bench as a sixth man to wing them up here and get another big one. Or maybe you have to install two picks and really break this in terms of salaries and take Miles Turner and Buddy Hield or someone else Are you going to do a big move with Russ, like?” So I think they’re focusing on that now. They’re leaning towards small moves on Pat or Kendrick or both, but I think the next 5-10 games really will determine what they do.
“Is this team showing anything? This six-game east coast tripWill they beat Philly or Toronto 4-2 and show a life they’ve never shown against a better team? They’re currently 2-12 against teams over . They scored some impressive wins, beat several teams over .500, and a pulse for this team (front office) to invest in trading a first round pick or two You must indicate that you have If not I think they upgrade their roster and look for small moves that give them more chances but they’re not doing everything in such a way that they think they should have more confidence in this core . (do).
Jovan is also worth remembering reported in the podcast preseason This type of throw in the towel could be on the table and if you don’t convince them this roster is worth upgrading, the front office will take the first picks for 2027 and 2029 and go home This line of thinking has been consistent from the organization because it might be (and it also Constantly kicking the proverbial can when can i make a deal Also judge this team).
Discussions should go in all directions: small deals, big deals, or none at all. We’ve been covering them for almost a year in articles, comment sections, replies on social media accounts, and podcasts. This article. But it’s worth remembering — as my vocal doppelgänger Darius Soriano just wrote on this website — The Lakers have more draft picks than you’re led to believeThere is a halfway point here where you give up on both of the present. tradeable It’s a first round pick and won’t lose its assets for about 10 years.
But for a variety of reasons, the Lakers don’t seem to see things the same way.Is it because you want to save space on your cap for this summer? repeater taxIs it because they want to have three tradeable first-round picks to make an even bigger swing this summer? Is it because you don’t? some other reason? I do not understand. But what we do know is that, at least so far, they don’t think this team is worth mortgaging part of their future for upgrades. That’s what the (inside) action told us. they’re already lakersIt is clear that the front office has not seen anything reported as a remedy for the current predicament.
Whether or not this group can change their minds about its benefits is anyone’s guess, but for now it’s better to bet the Lakers will improve them slightly and at least make the small move they seem to be trying. is safe (although it hardly gives up). than a massive all-in change at midseason.
for many lakers Talk, Subscribe to Silver Screen and Roll Podcast Feed itunes, Spotify, Stitcher Also google podcastsYou can follow Harrison on Twitter. @hmfaigen.
