As The Athletic beforehand reported, the Lakers have been affected person on the commerce entrance, aiming to make use of their first-round picks (they’ve entry to their 2029, 2030 and/or 2031 first-rounders however can commerce two of these — 2029 and 2031 — at most) nearer to the commerce deadline once they had a greater gauge on their roster. However the exception to that strategy, in line with staff and league sources earlier within the month, was a shorter-term alternative to commerce for Jonas Valančiūnas, Cam Johnson and/or Finney-Smith. The Lakers have had an curiosity in Valančiūnas courting again to the summer season. Brooklyn, in fact, pivoted to being sellers when it traded Dennis Schröder to Golden State on Dec. 15. -via New York Occasions / December 30, 2024
