The Los Angeles Lakers failed in their pursuits to add another impact player before the trade deadline this season. However, NBA insider Jake Fisher says their chances to make a blockbuster deal this summer are far better for two major reasons.
Unlike last season, the Los Angeles Lakers were not able to pull off a slew of trades to adjust the roster for the stretch run. However, it was not from a lack of trying. Rumors had linked the team to a chase for Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray and several other players earlier this year.
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Yet the asking price for Murray, as well as his teammate Trae Young when the Lakers pursued him this summer, was just too high. The Lakers have traded away many of their top picks in future NBA Drafts and do not of the horde of draft assets other teams have. Furthermore, due to certain rules in the collective bargaining agreement, the organization can’t just give away the few assets they have.
However, after deciding to hold on to their draft capital before the last two NBA trade deadlines they are in a better position to make big trades for players like Young and Murray this summer, according to Yahoo Sports NBA insider Jake Fisher.
Los Angeles Lakers news: The team should have access to three first-round picks this summer
“I think if the Lakers are willing to put three firsts and Austin Reaves and whatever on the table this summer, and that’s the best offer, the [Hawks] would have to consider that,” Fisher told Sportsnaut. “Also, a lot of teams get access to more picks during the summer. A lot of teams had their 2024 pick frozen at this trade deadline because of stepping rules and whatnot. So teams like the Lakers can trade three picks this summer, they could have only traded one [at the deadline].
“The Bucks could only trade one first-rounder at this deadline but they will have access to future draft capital come June and July. I think the summer is just a better opportunity for those bigger deals.”
Yet that’s not the only thing that will help LA swing a blockbuster to improve the roster this summer. Fisher also mentioned that in the offseason team rosters expand to 20 players. Under that scenario it because far easier to match up salaries in a trade, which is a pivotal part of how trades get down in the NBA today.
If the Los Angeles Lakers fall well short of their goal in the playoffs this spring, it would be very surprising if they don’t make a major move with these added assets in the offseason.