As the NBA free agency period enters its third day, the Los Angeles Lakers have yet to make any significant moves. Their only move so far has been signing guard Max Christie to a four-year, $32 million contract. They missed out on Klay Thompson, who chose to join the Dallas Mavericks instead.
Despite the slow start, there is still hope for the Lakers to improve their roster through a trade. Beat writer Jovan Buha revealed that the Lakers are in talks with the Portland Trail Blazers, Brooklyn Nets, and Utah Jazz to potentially swing a deal. Lakers’ VP of basketball operations Rob Pelinka is known for making moves under the radar, so there is a chance he has a plan to salvage the offseason.
One player the Lakers are reportedly interested in is Jerami Grant from the Blazers, a versatile forward who could boost the team’s performance. However, any potential trade would likely involve D’Angelo Russell, the starting point guard who recently opted into the final year of his contract.
LeBron James’ free agency decision looms over the Lakers, with reports suggesting he may be willing to take a pay cut for the right player. DeMar DeRozan is one intriguing free agent still available, and the Lakers have reportedly been in touch with his agent. With the Team USA Olympics practice approaching, James wants to resolve his contract situation soon, putting pressure on the Lakers to make a move.