As we approach the end of 2024, the NBA trade deadline is drawing near. Many teams in the league are looking to enhance their competitiveness through trades before the deadline. The Los Angeles Lakers, a team under close scrutiny, are among those seeking improvements. The Lakers' performance this season has been characterized by an initial strong start followed by a series of losses, revealing various weaknesses within the team.
The Lakers' primary trade target is undoubtedly the center position. They have been attempting to trade for the Wizards' center, Valanciunas, which has become one of the most anticipated trades for Lakers fans this season. Additionally, the Lakers have been pursuing some wing forwards to provide outside firepower support for James and Davis. For instance, the Lakers have shown interest in players like Cameron Johnson and Finney-Smith from the Nets.
The specifics of how the Lakers will acquire these players will depend on the progress of subsequent negotiations. However, enthusiastic American media outlets occasionally propose trade simulation schemes to offer suggestions and strategies to the Lakers. The feasibility of these proposals is subjective. Recently, American media has once again presented a simulated trade scheme for the Lakers, suggesting that they can obtain Finney-Smith from the Nets.
The proposed trade scheme is as follows:
Lakers receive: Dorian Finney-Smith;
Nets receive: Jared Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Sefino, Christian Wood, a 2025 second-round pick (from the Clippers), and a 2025 second-round pick (from the Lakers).
If such a trade were to materialize, it would be beneficial for the Lakers. In the proposed scheme, the three players sent by the Lakers are those who do not play much, and the two second-round draft picks are considered insignificant. However, it is unlikely that the Nets would agree to such an offer from the Lakers. Finney-Smith is at least a decent 3D forward, and the Lakers' offer might not seem sincere enough to the Nets.
That being said, the Nets are in a rebuilding phase and need more young prospects and draft picks, not caring much about immediate results. Perhaps the Nets might be interested in first-round pick Sefino, as he could be seen as a lottery ticket with the potential to yield small rewards. Previously, the Jazz expressed interest in Sefino. In this year's trade market, Sefino might just bring some pleasant surprises to the Lakers!
Ultimately, it all depends on Pelinka's operational skills and boldness! We hope that the Lakers will not remain inactive before the trade deadline this year.