The move gives LA another elite shooter, but it cost them their lone remaining second round pick. With only a first round pick left to trade — and one that would complicate their ability to trade other first round picks in the summer — it looks like the Lakers are likely done making deals before the deadline, as reported by Broderick Turner of the LA Times.
“The Lakers are not expected to make any more moves today — the NBA deadline for deals is noon PST — and instead look to make a big splash this summer when they have a lot more resources available.”
While the Lakers have expiring contracts on the books, an unwillingness to take back long-term contracts negates their value in a trade. Paired with a lack of draft capital to add as sweeteners in a trade and you get a situation where LA isn’t likely to make a deal.
Instead, the Lakers can focus on potential buyout candidates. The trade for Kennard freed up an extra $500,000 in cap space, giving them more wiggle room to sign a player to their last roster spot.
LA has a healthy roster and just added one of the best shooters in the NBA to their lineup, so that’ll have to be enough until they can wheel and deal and go after the big stars in the summer.