On the last day of 2024, Lakers reporter Anthony Irwin exposed a series of Lakers trade dynamics and behind-the-scenes secrets, further revealing the team's future strengthening direction. Although the Lakers have already introduced Finney-Smith and Shake Milton through a big trade, enhancing their perimeter firepower and defensive depth, the team has not stopped its strengthening pace. Currently, the Lakers are focusing on the interior, targeting multiple centers including Valanciunas, Kessler, Williams, Richards, and Sharp. However, the Lakers still face significant obstacles during the negotiation process.
According to Anthony Irwin, the Lakers are still considered one of the leading contenders for Valanciunas. Valanciunas is a center with strong rebounding ability and low-post scoring threat, capable of effectively enhancing the Lakers' interior strength. However, the Wizards' asking price is far higher than what the Lakers are willing to pay. The Wizards not only hope to obtain more draft picks from the Lakers but also showed interest in Russell's expiring contract, which was already used up in the previous trade between the Lakers and the Nets.
Currently, the Wizards are looking for better offers within the league, but Valanciunas' big contract (unprotected in the final year of the 2026-27 season) has made other teams somewhat reserved about trading for him. Whether the Lakers will continue to pursue Valanciunas remains to be seen based on the progress of the upcoming negotiations.
In addition to Valanciunas, the Lakers are actively discussing other interior targets, including Robert Williams of the Trail Blazers, Nick Richards of the Hornets, Day'Ron Sharpe of the Nets, and Walker Kessler of the Jazz. Among them, Kessler is undoubtedly the most attractive player, but it is not easy for the Lakers to reach a deal.
According to sources, the Lakers and the Jazz were very close to completing a trade involving Kessler this summer, but the negotiations ultimately failed. This year, the two sides' negotiations have again reached an impasse, mainly because the Jazz hold the Lakers' 2027 first-round draft pick (top-four protected). Jazz basketball operations president Danny Ainge has high expectations for the future value of this draft pick and is concerned that Kessler's joining would allow the Lakers to maintain long-term competitiveness, weakening the potential value of this pick.
For the Lakers, Kessler is an ideal reinforcement candidate. He not only excels defensively but can also complement Davis, enhancing the Lakers' dominance in the paint. However, Ainge's concerns make this trade difficult to advance.
After completing the Russell trade, the Lakers successfully enhanced their perimeter defensive capabilities and depth by introducing Finney-Smith and Shake Milton. This trade is considered an important step for the Lakers to return to the championship-winning model of the 2019-20 season. Finney-Smith's joining filled the gap left by Vanderbilt's possible injury absence, while Milton provided the team with a more reliable backup scoring option. However, Anthony Irwin points out that the Lakers management still maintains a cautious attitude towards this lineup. They will evaluate the performance of existing players through upcoming games to further clarify the team's needs.
Currently, the Lakers rank 5th in the West with an 18-13 record, still in a critical stage of fighting for a playoff spot. Anthony Irwin points out that the Lakers' next trade strategy is likely to focus on enhancing the lineup's toughness and flexibility. Management hopes to reshape a team with height, athleticism, and switching defense capabilities, returning to the championship-winning model of the 2019-20 season.
Vanderbilt's injury absence has had a significant impact on the Lakers' defensive system. His non-contact training has begun, but whether he can catch up with the second half of the season is still uncertain. The Lakers hope to fill this gap with Finney-Smith, but if Vanderbilt's recovery is not ideal, management may continue to look for other alternative candidates. In addition to the interior, the Lakers also need to add a player with height, strong athletic ability, and comprehensive defense at the forward position. Such players are crucial in the switching defense system and are an important piece of the puzzle for the team's championship pursuit.
As the trade deadline approaches, every move by Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka is closely watched. From the Russell trade to pursuing targets like Valanciunas and Kessler, the Lakers have shown their determination to strengthen their lineup. However, facing competitors' asking prices and the balance of future draft picks, Pelinka's room for maneuver is still limited.
The Lakers' goal for this season is already very clear: under the leadership of James and Davis, to build a championship-contending lineup with immediate combat effectiveness and future potential. Will the upcoming moves help the Lakers take another step forward? Let's wait and see!