The Los Angeles Lakers are trying to navigate their roster construction with just a couple of weeks left before making trade deadline decisions. All of this is new for the Lakers, as they are now building around Luka Doncic’s aspirations to win a championship rather than LeBron James.
“Dončić being just 26 gives the Lakers a far longer timeline to build a championship-contending team, but that doesn't mean they can slow down and take their time. Dončić told Lakers president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick in May that he's not interested in taking the slow approach in building a contender,” CBS Sports’ Jasmyn Wimbish wrote.
There is no doubt the Lakers can get younger around Doncic. One name to watch is Golden State Warrior Jonathan Kuminga.
“The Lakers have legitimate interest in trading for Jonathan Kuminga. With the Kings now unwilling to part with a future protected first-round pick, Los Angeles could swoop in and make an enticing offer to the Warriors,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery posted.
The Lakers haven’t been playing well lately, which complicates things as the trade deadline approaches. However, former ESPN commentator Skip Bayless believes James wants the organization to move on from Austin Reaves.
“DWade just said the Lakers look like they're playing 'without joy' - that the energy has been drained by controversial stories such as ESPN's Jeanie vs LeBron. To me, they're missing the explosive energy always provided by the guy LeBron wants traded - Austin Reaves,” Bayless wrote.
This claim from Bayless seems far-fetched, considering the relationship between James and Reaves. It also makes little sense for James to want to trade Reaves, who could have been an All-Star if not for his latest injury.
Even if there is any truth to it, it’s hard to imagine someone of James’ caliber pushing to move a young star. Reaves remains a cornerstone for the organization, so any trade involving him would be extremely surprising.