The Los Angeles Lakers enter the 2025-26 trade market with just one future first-round pick, whose value has dropped under new ownership and following the Luka Doncic trade, limiting their options to acquire a 3-and-D player.
Credit: Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect - Scanpix
Credit Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect - Scanpix
Credit Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect - Scanpix
The Los Angeles Lakers enter the trade market with just one first-round pick they can realistically move—either in 2031 or 2032. While this pick gives them some leverage, its value is far from what teams typically covet.
Los Angeles Lakers / Schedule
According to Dan Woike of The Athletic, the perception of that future draft asset has shifted following Mark Walter's takeover of the franchise.
"According to league sources, that future Lakers pick, which could be in 2031 or 2032, is less valuable than it was viewed both before the Luka Doncic trade and since Mark Walter's acquisition of the franchise," Woike reported.
"The belief is that since Walter has proven to be an effective owner with the Los Angeles Dodgers, that he and whoever he entrusts the franchise to will, at minimum, keep it from the kind of freefall that would truly make that future first-round pick less of a lottery ticket."
Credit Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix
In terms of potential moves, the L.A. Lakers have been linked to 3-and-D wings like Herb Jones, Andrew Wiggins, and Keon Ellis.
However, interest has been limited: the Pelicans are reportedly unwilling to part with Jones, while the Heat's asking price for Wiggins is extremely steep.
Los Angeles' trade assets are primarily expiring contracts and that lone future first-round pick, which limits their flexibility. Still, the team sits at a strong 17-7 record this season.
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