Insider says Lakers should pass on trading for Jarace Walker

Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus lists Indiana forward Jarace Walker among the Lakers' top five trade targets, with any deal likely sending out multiple players such as Dalton Knecht, Jaden Hardy or Jake LaRavia, possibly with a third team helping the Pacers duck the luxury tax.

NBA insider Keith Smith, however, argued on the NBA Front Office YouTube channel that Los Angeles should avoid pursuing Walker, citing his defensive struggles and inconsistency despite a career-high 11.6 points and 5.1 rebounds per game last season.

Smith instead pointed to lower-profile options like Jalen Smith and Jericho Sims as more realistic fits behind Walker Kessler. Lakers reporter Khobi Price has noted the team's tradable draft capital is thin, making a bigger trade swing unlikely for now.