The Los Angeles Lakers entered the 2024 offseason with designs to acquire several players.
Their first priority was to convince LeBron James to re-sign. They accomplished this feat first by hiring someone who he respects as a basketball mind to be their next head coach. Frankly, whether it was UConn’s Dan Hurley or former NBA guard JJ Redick, that was the case. They then drafted his eldest son, who shares his namesake, with the 55th overall pick. For a family man such as James, this was a significant moment.
With the 55th in the 2024 NBA draft. The Los Angeles Lakers select……. Bronny James. 🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲. Just had a moment!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 1, 2024
Once they earned James’s commitment, they turned their attention to three primary free agent targets: James Harden, Klay Thompson, and Jonas Valanciunas. The day after that news broke, Harden signed a $70 million contract to return to the Los Angeles Clippers. Valanciunas then signed a three-year contract with the Washington Wizards.
Lakers’ Dark Horse Trade Target If Klay Thompson Heads to Mavs
In Harden’s case, money may have always made his flip to the Lakers a pipe dream. Valanciunas may have received more years or money in his offer from the Wizards. Yet, his decision to play for rebuilding team over a championship-contender might speak to James’s influence waning. If Thompson signs with the Dallas Mavericks, who have his ear, that would seem to prove that.
All-Star swingman DeMar DeRozan, who has been linked to the Lakers for years, could be another free agent target. With that being said, DeRozan is reportedly interested in heading to L.A.’s little brother franchise. As Paul George’s money just came off the Clippers’ books, they can offer him more money than the Lakers. The hole left by George also gives him a ready-made role to fill.
The Lakers have James, Anthony Davis, and their legacy. The Clippers have Harden, Kawhi Leonard, more money, and popular head coach who has won an NBA championship. Speaking of the coaching dynamic, Redick’s fondness for the 3-ball might make DeRozan an awkward fit in his offense. After all, he’s a throwback volume scorer who prefers to give his opponents work inside the arc.
All that said, though DeRozan could consider joining James, it seems unlikely. Of course, this is nothing new. The Lakers have been linked to and struck out on a number of stars in their LeBron Era. Nonetheless, with James, their goal is to win a championship.
As currently constructed, they’re too physically fragile a team to ensure that. One major injury, especially to James or Davis. could derail their entire season. However, the Lakers are also lacking upper-bound talent. Though the age of superteams is fading, several teams have at least three All-Star-caliber players.
The Lakers have two All-Stars supported by several players who are household names. Of note, they’re considering trading one of those players: D’Angelo Russell.
D’Angelo Russell On the Move?
A former No. 2 pick, Russell’s so-so playoff performances, streaky jumper and inconsistent defense have made him expendable. Still, he’s a pretty good playmaker thanks to his ball-handling, court vision, and passing prowess. He’s also capable of scoring from all over the court. With that said, on an expiring deal, his talent and contract gives him trade value.
The Lakers may be hoping it’s enough to land Jerami Grant from the Portland Trail Blazers. A versatile combo forward, Grant averaged 21.0 points per game on 45.2 percent from the field and 40.2 percent from 3 in 2023-24. According to the Lakers Daily insider Anthony F. Irwin, L.A. and the Blazers have had dialogue about a Grant deal.
I’m told the Lakers and Trail Blazers have been in consistent talks on a deal for Jerami Grant. I wouldn’t call it particularly imminent but the sides have definitely been active most of today.
— Anthony F. Irwin (@AnthonyIrwinLA) June 30, 2024
However, with Grant making $29.7 million next season, the Lakers would have to extend-and-trade Russell to make the salaries match.
So, without a third team to take on Russell’s contract, trading him and acquiring Grant is improbable. The best option may be to send Russell to the Golden State Warriors, who have seen their talent base depleted this offseason. Russell averaged 23.6 points and 6.2 assists per game for the Warriors in 2019-20.
However, such a deal would likely require the Blazers to take on Andrew Wiggins’ contract.
