Lakers Willing To Give Up Future Picks But Only If NBA Trade Pitch Is Realistic

The Los Angeles Lakers have addressed one of their problems this offseason, signing LeBron James to a two-year deal worth $97.1 million. The second year is a player option, likely flexibility for the four-time NBA champion once his son, Bronny James, makes the jump to the pros.

But for the Lakers, there are more issues at hand. One of them is to improve the roster, a reason why Kyrie Irving has been strongly linked to the purple and gold.

However, Los Angeles hardly has trade assets that would interest the Brooklyn Nets to agree to a deal. But it appears one key thing in past trade negotiations has been softened – future picks.

According to Marc Stein citing sources, the Lakers have assured James that they would be willing to trade their 2027 and 2029 first-round picks if it will improve their roster and boost their NBA title chances.

After a disappointing 33-49 season, the Lakers are trying to figure out how they can bounce back into contention.

Irving has been associated with the Lakers even if the Nets are still trying to retain the All-Star guard. According to a report by Kristian Winfield of the NY Daily News, the Lakers are now willing to part with their future first-round picks but only for Irving.

If not Irving, the Lakers are also allegedly interested in Buddy Hield and Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers. However, any deal involving these two players will not include the purple and gold’s future picks.

Hence, it will be interesting if more changes are ahead for the Lakers. As things stand now, they will have James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook leading their 2022-23 NBA campaign.

Kendrick Nunn, Austin Reaves and Talen Horton-Tucker are still around and the only other players certain for Los Angeles are first-round picks Troy Brown Jr. and Lonnie Walker IV.