Lakers predicted to trade Jarred Vanderbilt, major draft capital for $88M Luka Doncic rim runner

Lakers predicted to trade Jarred Vanderbilt, major draft capital for $88M Luka Doncic rim runner originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to continue what has already been a successful offseason after making several major acquisitions during free agency. Los Angeles immediately made a splash by acquiring Walker Kessler in a trade to begin the summer.

Now, the Lakers are looking to add more depth, whether that means finding another backup center behind Kessler or strengthening the power forward position.

“The Lakers are still monitoring the market for big men, team sources told The Athletic,” The Athletic’s Dan Woike reported. “They traded for Walker Kessler and signed Kevon Looney to play center, and Mamukelashvili can play the position, too. The team could address the position either by trade or signing, like with potentially adding Thybulle. The roster is currently at full capacity.”

Los Angeles has several trade assets it could use to improve the roster. One name the Lakers have reportedly been looking to move throughout the summer is veteran forward 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.

One potential target for the Lakers is Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington. Lakers insider Jovan Buha believes Los Angeles could use Vanderbilt and significant draft capital in a potential deal to acquire Washington.

“In terms of a legal trade, it would have to be Hardy and LaRavia right now at the minimum in terms of outgoing salary to salary match with P.J. ‘s contract, plus keep the Lakers under the first apron. You could do Hardy and LaRavia … plus whatever draft capital is required to make it work. I assume it would be at least three of L.A.’s four draft assets, or you could do Jared Vanderbilt … that would also be legal,” Buha said.

Adding Washington would be a major move for the Lakers because he fills a significant need while also bringing a previous connection with Luka Doncic. The chemistry between Washington and Doncic was evident during their time together in Dallas, and reuniting the two could provide a major boost for Los Angeles.

Washington is currently on a $88 million contract, and moving Vanderbilt’s deal is something the Lakers have been exploring. In this potential trade, Vanderbilt would head to Dallas for a fresh start, while Washington would reunite with the point guard he reached the NBA Finals alongside.

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