Anthony Davis, LeBron James (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers have not yet taken any action. After failing to sign seasoned veterans Klay Thompson and DeMar DeRozan, who later joined the Dallas Mavericks and the Sacramento Kings, respectively, their free agency has been quiet. Recent events regarding the Purple and Gold’s trade front indicate that they are pursuing a possible list of players, some of whom are well-known.
According to Jake Weinbach, the Lakers are still interested in bringing Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen into their fold. The other notable names include Darius Garland, Bruce Brown, Collin Sexton, Jerami Grant, Cam Johnson, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Wendell Carter Jr.
Although Weinbach didn’t “foresee” anything happening immediately, he thought these names would eventually be connected to the Los Angeles Lakers.
It’s important to note that Brown and most of these names were connected to the Lakers well before the trade deadline from the previous season. The Chicago Bulls guard and two-time NBA All-Star Zach LaVine is surprisingly missing from the list. It was recently reported that LaVine had caught the attention of the LA Clippers, who play across town.
Trade Rumors Involving Darius Garland and the Los Angeles Lakers Are Worth Keeping an Eye On
Zach Harper of The Athletic previously listed guard Darius Garland as one of the critical stars the organization may move to this summer. The fit between the player and Donovan Mitchell—who just signed a three-year, $150 million extension—was considered the most likely explanation, even if the player has maintained his desire to play for Cleveland.
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Garland has already been connected to the Miami Heat. So, it will be intriguing to see what the Lakers can offer for the adaptable guard. Furthermore, given his low trade value, it shouldn’t be shocking if the Cavaliers ship him in exchange for the proper offer. Regarding his contract, he starts the second year of a five-year deal with a maximum value of $197.2 million.
