Los Angeles Lakers · 9 updates
An NBA executive tells Heavy's Sean Deveney there's real interest around the league in trading for Bronny James, though nobody is offering first-round picks. The Lakers are short on assets and would likely need to clear a roster spot, with Dalton Knecht still seen as the more probable cut.
Jalen Duren has agreed to a five-year, $200 million deal with Detroit after a tense negotiation. An unnamed executive says other teams are circling Bronny James, who could fetch a second-round pick or two if the Lakers decide to move him rather than cut Dalton Knecht.
Lakers insider Jovan Buha said Los Angeles has continued weighing trades for Milwaukee's Jericho Sims and New Orleans' Karlo Matkovic to bolster the frontcourt behind Walker Kessler.
The Lakers must shed one roster spot before camp, with Dalton Knecht, Jaden Hardy and Bronny James the names in play. Lakers Nation's Trevor Lane argues Knecht should go, saying James outplayed him last season and comes cheaper, and would keep Hardy too, citing his $6 million expiring deal and team option upside.
Lakers analyst Trevor Lane says Los Angeles must decide by October 31 whether to pick up Dalton Knecht's $6.4 million team option, and says he would currently expect them to pass. Knecht's scoring fell from 9.1 points as a rookie to 4.2 last season with reduced minutes.
A hypothetical four-team trade floated by Heavy would send Bronny James from the Lakers to the Sixers, reuniting him with his father's old team.
+2With Jonathan Kuminga signed in Minnesota on a two-year, $12.4 million deal, Los Angeles is floated as a suitor for Sacramento's De'Andre Hunter, who is on an expiring $24.9 million contract.
Writing for FanSided, Lucas Johnson maps out a Bronny James move from Los Angeles to Boston in exchange for a protected 2030 second-rounder (via Charlotte) and a protected 2031 second (via Houston).
With LeBron James reportedly agreeing to sign with the 76ers, questions turn to what comes next for his son. Bronny James remains under contract with the Lakers, for now, though his situation could change.
