The LA Lakers have been facing recent struggles, and trade rumors surrounding the team have grown more intense. While some speculate the team might blow up the roster, an insider clarified that the two superstars would only be traded if they request it.
NBA: Los Angeles Lakers at Minnesota Timberwolves – Source: Imagn
In an article for The Athletic, Lakers insider Jovan Buha stated that LeBron James and Anthony Davis “almost certainly won’t be traded” unless they ask to leave LA.
Buha also said the Lakers plan to “bolster their supporting cast and continue building around Davis and James.”
“Two players who almost certainly won’t be traded, barring them asking out of Los Angeles, are Davis ($43.2 million) and James ($48.7 million),” Buha wrote.“Despite the recent groundswell from certain media and fans to blow up the roster, the Lakers are not currently considering trading either superstar, according to team and league sources.”
New for @TheAthletic: Lakers trade season primer:
— Are the Lakers likely to make a move?
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— Are any players untouchable?
— What will teams want from the Lakers?That and more in here: https://t.co/5JCZZx9HSo
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) December 17, 2024
Buha also reported that Bronny James would not be included in any trade unless his father, LeBron, is also involved.
On his “Buha’s Block” podcast, the insider added that James and Davis might request a trade if the team fails to make significant improvements this season.
“I don’t think LeBron and AD are going to be happy, and at that point, they can ask out… I think that opens up the possibility for some bigger changes in the offseason.”
Jovan Buha on what he thinks would happen if the Lakers fail to make a move at the deadline:
“I don’t think LeBron and AD are going to be happy, and at that point, they can ask out… I think that opens up the possibility for some bigger changes in the offseason.” pic.twitter.com/xtNvCNmq5u
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 17, 2024
Lakers insider lists team’s ‘longer-term core pieces’
Although the LA Lakers are gearing up to make a trade in hopes of competing in the Western Conference, they still view certain players as essential to their future, Buha reported.
Buha noted that the Lakers have a high bar for trading Austin Reaves due to his importance as the third option and his team-friendly contract. Additionally, rookie Dalton Knecht and Max Christie are seen as key pieces for the Lakers’ long-term plans.
“Rival teams will surely ask for Knecht and Christie, but again, those are two players the Lakers will prioritize keeping,” Buha wrote.
The Lakers can trade their 2029, 2030 or 2031 picks individually or combine their 2029 and 2031 picks. The most likely players to be traded include guard D’Angelo Russell, along with Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, Christian Wood and Cam Reddish.
A trade is likely on the horizon for the Lakers, who are 10th in the West with a 14-12 record.