So far this summer, the Los Angeles Lakers have not made a trade or signed an outside free agent. Given
that they just had a first-round loss in the NBA Playoffs and that LeBron James is nearing the end of his career, it’s very shocking.
The Lakers were reportedly in on Dejounte Murray before he was traded from the Atlanta Hawks to the New Orleans Pelicans, and they had expressed interest in Klay Thompson before he signed with the Dallas Mavericks. With all of the top NBA free agents signed and the NBA trade market collapsing, things are not looking good on this front, but there may be hope that something materializes before the 2024–25 season begins.
According to a recent report by NBA insider Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the Lakers are encouraging patience as the summer progresses.
As it stands, the Lakers are encouraging patience, believing that the right trade will eventually come together, while also placing their money on healthier Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent. Additionally, they believe that the inclusion of Dalton Knecht, a first-round pick, and Max Christie into the starting lineup will strengthen their perimeter defense, according to Buha.
That is a large number of distinct factors to consider.
Related: The position of the Los Angeles Lakers in Sportsnaut’s NBA power rankings
Los Angeles Lakers swap future prospects this summer.
Even though the trade market has dried up, late summer still sees the closing of big deals. Last year, it was the situation. This year, it will once more be the case.
The Lakers’ general manager, Rob Pelinka, stated in the article that they were willing to trade their two available first-round picks (2029 and 2031). To make a big transaction and establish themselves as legitimate NBA title contenders, they will need this.
Lauri Markkanen of the Utah Jazz and former Lakers wing Brandon Ingram of the New Orleans Pelicans are the two biggest names on the block right now. Not enough is available in Los Angeles to trade Markkanen for Utah. Additionally, it is said to have exhibited no interest in Ingram.
There will inevitably be further issues. Maybe Zach LaVine and the Chicago Bulls can’t keep their friendship going because of his current circumstances. Trading Trae Young would also force the Atlanta Hawks to embark on a comprehensive rebuilding project.
In Southern California, for the time being, patience is everything. Fans probably don’t want to hear this.
