The Los Angeles Lakers remain at the forefront of NBA trade rumors in the hours leading up to the 2023 NBA Draft, with specific targets reportedly emerging for a blockbuster trade.
Los Angeles entered the offseason uncertain of whether or not it would trade the 17th overall pick. The Lakers wanted a starting-caliber player, but there was uncertainty if one would be available and adding a role player on a rookie scale contract would help a team with limited cap space this summer.
Related: Los Angeles Lakers likely to swing big trade on draft night
However, in the days leading up to Thursday’s draft, the market has shifted. Los Angeles is increasingly likely to trade the 17th overall pick and other assets on its roster to land an upgrade for its starting lineup next season.
According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, a Lakers’ trade on Thursday night is increasingly likely with a few specific targets emerging.
“Names around the league that have been linked to the Lakers in recent weeks include Indiana’s Myles Turner and Buddy Hield, Brooklyn’s Dorian Finney-Smith and Royce O’Neale, Toronto’s Gary Trent Jr.”
Jovan Buha on players the Los Angeles Lakers are interested in acquiring
Buha also mentioned Kristaps Porzingis, but he was acquired by the Boston Celtics on Thursday night. With him off the board, Los Angeles could turn its focus to Myles Turner or one of the other aforementioned players.
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Turner has long been coveted by the Lakers’ front office. The 6-foot-11 center averaged a career-high 18 points per game last season, also posting a career-high in rebounds per game (7.5). If acquired, he would allow Los Angeles to shift Davis back to the four where he’s more comfortable.
In the case of Gary Trent Jr. and Buddy Hield, either player would provide the Lakers with perimeter shooting. With LeBron James entering his age-39 season and expected to be less impactful, Los Angeles needs perimeter shooters who can help take the scoring load off James and Davis next year.
Related: Indiana Pacers eyeing specific player in trade for No. 7 pick
Based on the direction of where things are headed, with Los Angeles shifting from plans to keeping the 17th pick to the growing expectation it’s traded, the Lakers will likely make a trade by the end of Thursday night.