Lakers Trade Rumor: GM Rob Pelinka looking to bring back two ex-Lakers players to support LeBron James postseason | NBA News – Times of India

LeBron James might benefit from new roster alterations (Image via Getty)

There was a trade rumor involving the Los Angeles Lakers a while back. They have returned at the center of NBA trade rumors again. The LA Lakers’ General Manager Rob Pelinka is reportedly exploring options to improve his the team’s supporting players around LeBron James. Most teams are looking to find good players for themselves as the trade deadline is fast approaching on February 6, 2024. Pelinka’s moves could significantly improve the Lakers’ postseason ambitions.
According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, Pelinka’s strategy was to evaluate the Los Angeles Lakers’ performance after 30 games before making any major roster changes. That milestone will be reached on Christmas Day when the Lakers face the Golden State Warriors. With a 14-12 record and sitting 10th in the Western Conference, the Lakers have shown that they need a roster change if they want to perform better.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with guard Austin Reaves (15) during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)

LeBron James’ Los Angeles Lakers are considering two familiar names as potential trade targets — Kyle Kuzma and Brandon Ingram. Both players have previous experience playing alongside LeBron James during their time with the Lakers. Kuzma is currently with the Washington Wizards and happens to be a more feasible option due to his team-friendly contract, which runs for three more seasons. Acquiring Kuzma could require a second-round pick and a player in return. “Kyle Kuzma and Brandon Ingram have played with LeBron James in the past. The former might be a more realistic option for LA than the latter,” noted Buha. In contrast, landing Ingram, who plays for the New Orleans Pelicans, would be a far more expensive move, potentially involving Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, and a first-round pick.
The Los Angeles Lakers are not limited to Kuzma and Ingram as trade options. Reports suggest Pelinka is monitoring other potential targets, including Utah’s Walker Kessler and Collin Sexton, Toronto’s Bruce Brown Jr., Portland’s Jerami Grant and Robert Williams III, and Washington’s Kyle Kuzma. While big names like Miami’s Jimmy Butler, New Orleans’ Brandon Ingram, and Chicago’s Zach LaVine have been mentioned, Buha’s report clarified that “The Lakers are not anticipated to be heavily in the mix” for these stars.
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Cam Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith, two important Brooklyn Nets players, are among the Los Angeles Lakers’ most viable options. It is thought that the Nets, who are presently in the Eastern Conference play-in mix, are looking into roster reorganization options. Johnson is considered a difficult asset to acquire because of his large contract. However, Finney-Smith might be a more approachable choice. For months, both have been associated with the Lakers. The Lakers have been considering Finney-Smith for a few years now, according to Buha’s report. Known as a 3-and-D player, Finney-Smith is a valuable potential addition for a Lakers squad that needs more perimeter firepower. He averages 11.0 points per game and shoots 45 percent from three-point range.