The Los Angeles Lakers are ready to make a big offseason trade, but a lack of assets held them back. The targets had to be carefully chosen because the team only had two first-round draught picks available for trade.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the Lakers were considering ceding both selections for stars like Kyrie Irving and Donovan Mitchell.
“I knew at first that the Lakers would have offered both picks together to bring in someone like Kyrie and Donovan. But, if they didn’t feel that he would be a player who would make a difference like both of them,” McMenamin said.
“The team preferred to stay put. They would never give both for supporting roles, for example.” McMenamin added.
However, McMenamin believes that general manager Rob Pelinka is attentive to the market. If a chance for improvement arises, in short, the possible exchange will be explored.
“There were plenty of trades available for the team in addition to the two, but they were reticent. I think Rob’s statements show that despite this, he has a sense of urgency,” McMenamin said.
Most and above all, it’s part of a bigger Lakers commitment to take into account the signings of Donovan Mitchell and Kyrie Irving.
According to reports, the franchise secured incisive improvements in the cast to convince LeBron James to sign an early extension.
However, Lakers manager Rob Pelinka has issued a warning, saying he hasn’t forgotten about the appointment.
“We have one of the best players of all time here, first and above all, committed for the next two years.” Pelinka said.
“So we will do whatever it takes to help LeBron bring us another title, and that certainly includes trading the draft selections. He made a commitment to us, but, above all, it is a bilateral alliance.” he added.
Irving ended up making his stay with the Brooklyn Nets official, while Mitchell was traded by the Utah Jazz to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
