The Los Angeles Lakers, as always, have been swept up in NBA trade rumors. After adding Luka Doncic last season, Los Angeles needs a 3-and-D wing to space the floor and take some pressure off their stars. Andrew Wiggins has long been linked to the Lakers, although a deal doesn’t seem imminent.
Between Dalton Knecht, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Jarred Vanderbilt, the Lakers have assets of variable value. However, the purple and gold colored glasses worn by fans and the media alike tend to elevate trade rumors.
In reality, opposing front offices might not be sold on those largely unproven players. However, the Lakers do have another asset that they might not be eager to trade.
GettyLos Angeles, California February 6, 2025-Lakers Luka Doncic, left, and LeBron James share laugh on the bench during a game against the Warriors at Crypto.com Arena Thursday. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers Boast Draft Capital
In addition to matching salary by including Hachimura or Vanderbilt, the Lakers have draft capital. Not a lot, by any means, but enough to add a quality starter to the rotation.
Between now and 2032, Los Angeles can trade a lone first-rounder, but they can swap up to four additional picks and have a second-rounder in 2032.
Of course, making a swap while Doncic is under contract doesn’t make sense, as the Lakers will likely be better than anyone they would trade with. However, the 2031 pick, which can be traded outright, and the 2032 first-rounder, which can be swapped or traded, present some value.
By then, Doncic will be 32 or 33 years old, quite possibly past his prime. If the Lakers want to build a winner around Doncic now, parting ways with that pick might be the best way to make things happen.
Of course, 3-and-D wings don’t come cheap, and the Lakers might have to overpay for an average player at the position.
GettyLuka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center on March 27, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.
Los Angeles Lakers Don’t Want to Make a Trade
While the Lakers have the assets to make a deal, they aren’t in any rush. If anything, patience could be a virtue.
Until LeBron James retires, a large part of the Lakers‘ success relies on someone over 40 years old. That’s not really the time to be making splashy investments.
“I think the first round pick is sort of sitting in the hopper for bigger and bigger plans in the future,” explained The Athletic’s Dan Woike. “Should an opportunity become available? I think. It’s going to be like two-way wings, right? It’s what everybody wants, like athleticism and two-way wings.”
The Lakers will eventually need wing defenders who can knock down the open shots provided by Doncic. For now, James serves that role, and until the future is a bit clearer, the Lakers are expected to hold the line.
Fans shouldn’t expect a deal to be made until right before the trade deadline, if even then.
Los Angeles Lakers Don’t Want to Part With Key Trade Asset