Lakers reportedly shopping $66M promising duo after Deandre Ayton and Walker Kessler trades
· Yahoo Sports
Lakers reportedly shopping $66M promising duo after Deandre Ayton and Walker Kessler trades originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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The Los Angeles Lakers have been active throughout the free agency cycle, making moves both on the trade market and in free agency. After being informed that LeBron James was not interested in returning, the Lakers immediately went to work reshaping their roster.
Their first major move was a trade they had reportedly pursued for years. Los Angeles sent multiple draft picks to the Utah Jazz in exchange for center Walker Kessler.
“The Los Angeles Lakers started the process of remaking their roster in the wake of LeBron James' decision to leave with a blockbuster trade and a trio of free agency signings Wednesday. Sources told ESPN's Shams Charania that the Lakers are acquiring Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz for unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030,” ESPN wrote.
Next, the Lakers moved on from center Deandre Ayton after his production dipped last season.
“The Los Angeles Lakers are trading center Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards for guard Jaden Hardy and two second-round picks in 2031 and 2032, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania on Friday,” ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin wrote.
Even so, the Lakers do not appear to be finished on the trade front. They are now exploring the possibility of moving Dalton Knecht and Jarred Vanderbilt.
“The Lakers are actively shopping Dalton Knecht and Jarred Vanderbilt in trade talks. After gaining two second-round picks in the Deandre Ayton trade, Los Angeles could consolidate those assets in a deal immediately for a starting-caliber wing,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.
Los Angeles is hoping to package the duo for an impact player who could play a key role in the rotation. However, both Knecht and Vanderbilt saw their roles reduced for different reasons over the course of last season.
Knecht is currently on an $18 million contract, while Vanderbilt is on a $48 million deal, combining for $66 million in total value if moved together. Despite their inconsistent roles, both still carry upside. Knecht is a dynamic scorer capable of getting hot from anywhere on the floor, while Vanderbilt is a defensive specialist who can impact the game in multiple ways.
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