RealGM

In case LAL wants to get ammo for a sign and trade, whats the best future pick(s) people would offer for their mid first? Seems like next years draft is projected to be weaker than this one too.

Yeah if Lakers are going for a big FA signing then this is the logical step. Opens up more capspace so they can try to sign FA outright or end in a negotiated SnT where they can use the future pick they received.


I think a top 10 protected Spurs pick. I could see them wanting another rookie with Wemby. I think they would expect to become a play-in team sooner or later.

Maybe a simple swap with Memphis.

Memphis get '23 #17 from LA and give the '24 pick they're owed from Golden State. The pick only convey if it's from 5-30, but its hard to see the Warriors having a bottom 10 record next season. In all likelyhood the pick might be around #20 in '24.

From Memphis' point of view they get to add two rookies in this year or they could look at moving up in the draft.

I like this thought process from LAL's perspective for two reasons:
1) rookies don't get meaningful minutes on Lebron rosters (unless your Norris Cole)
2) It saves LAL about $3MM in a year where they are going to get close to the 2nd apron while preserving the amo for a future deal

These trades are hard though. Look at the trade the Knicks made with Charlotte for the 19th pick in 2021 - NY turned the 19th pick into a heavily protected 1st that is looking unlikely to convey.

I think it's more likely the Lakers package the pick with an expiring contract to upgrade the roster. The trade I see is sending Beasley and Pick #17 to the Pacers for Hield and pick #26. Then packing pick #26 with Bamba's expiring for another rotation piece.

If NOP really likes someone at #17 then the deal should be clear...