According to Sean Deveney of Heavy Sports, the Los Angeles Lakers have interest in trading for Orlando Magic big man Wendell Carter Jr.
In the coming weeks, the league’s trade market is expected to heat up, and the hope in Lakerland is that once that happens, the team will be in position to make the kind of move that can push them back into contender-hood.
But the pickings are going to be slim. The Lakers have interest in Lauri Markkanen of the Jazz, but likely won’t have enough capital on hand to get him to L.A. The list of other possible targets—from Zach LaVine and Jerami Grant to Walker Kessler and Malcolm Brogdon—likely won’t move the needle much for the Lakers.
One guy of interest, though, who could help the Lakers check a few boxes remains a possible trade target: Magic center Wendell Carter Jr.
The 25-year-old has spent parts of the last four seasons with the Magic after the team acquired him from the Chicago Bulls. Last season, Carter averaged 11 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game in 55 games. Furthermore, he started five of Orlando’s seven playoff games against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Carter has two years remaining on his four-year, $50 million contract.
Los Angeles Lakers Pursuing Former Top-10 Draft Pick?
Why the Lakers Should Have Interest in Wendell Carter Jr.
Last month, NBA insider Ian Begley suggested that the Lakers are considering moving star Anthony Davis back to power forward. Additionally, he said the team was “monitoring their offseason options at center closely.” The Lakers have not done much so far this summer to address their immediate needs at center, so Carter is an appealing option for them.
But regardless of who is coaching Los Angeles next season, the Lakers are monitoring their offseason options at center closely, per people with knowledge of the situation.
The Lakers have visited with some top centers in the draft. They have the No. 17 pick in the first round. The club could also obviously pursue a center in free agency. Adding a traditional big man would, in theory, allow Anthony Davis more opportunity to play power forward alongside a center.
When the Lakers won the NBA Finals in 2020, Davis spent most of his time at power forward, his natural position. By acquiring Carter, it would allow the Lakers to make this change in their lineup.
Furthermore, Carter provides a lot of value on the court. He is a solid rebounder and can score efficiently inside. The Duke alum has also improved as a perimeter shooter, shooting a career-high 37.4% from the three-point line last season.
Who the Lakers Might Give Up for Wendell Carter Jr.
Deveney suggested that Los Angeles “could send D’Angelo Russell for Carter” in a trade to Orlando.
They’d likely want a first-round pick, but the Lakers might not want to pay that price, at least not yet. The Lakers could send D’Angelo Russell for Carter, but the magic would want some youth. That means either a pick or last year’s first-rounder, Jalen Hood-Schifino.
In April, reports linked Russell to the Magic. Furthermore, the Magic reportedly had interest in Klay Thompson before he joined the Dallas Mavericks. With Russell having officially opted into his player option, it makes a trade likely. A Russell-for-Carter swap could make sense for both sides.
