Western Conference · Pacific · 203 updates
Free agent big man Maxi Kleber is drawing serious interest from BC Roma, the new Italian club founded by Luka Doncic and Donnie Nelson, according to Marc Stein. The 34-year-old German center enters Serie A and the EuroCup with hopes of eventually joining NBA Europe, and signing Kleber would be a headline addition.
Fadeaway World's Fran Leiva names Jalen Smith as a Bulls player who could be dealt this season, pointing to his expiring $9.4 million salary as easy matching money in a deal. Leiva argues Smith's 37.3% three-point shooting makes him a useful stretch big for a playoff team.
Memphis is nearly 20 players deep and could waive up to four, including wing Micah Peavy, per NBA insider Jake Fischer. Lakers reporter Chris Lambert of Lake Show Life argues LA should pounce, cutting AK Okereke to hand Peavy his two-way spot.
A roundup of contenders with roster gaps heading into camp lists the Lakers lacking a starting power forward, with Sandro Mamukelashvili the only bench option at the spot. The Heat need a playmaking point guard beyond backup Davion Mitchell, and efforts to move Nikola Jovic have gone nowhere.
+4A proposed three-team trade would send Nic Claxton from Chicago to the Lakers as insurance behind Walker Kessler, alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer reports the Lakers are shopping Jarred Vanderbilt and Dalton Knecht as they sit at 16 contracts, one over the limit.
Nick Smith Jr. has agreed to a one-year contract with Real Madrid, according to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto. The Lakers had declined his $2.5 million team option in June after a season split between a two-way deal and a late playoff promotion, making him a free agent.
A proposed deal would send Aaron Nesmith to Los Angeles in exchange for Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht and the Lakers' 2032 first-round pick swap. The pitch frames Nesmith as a two-way wing who could start and defend around Luka Doncic after his run to the 2025 Finals with Indiana.
Lakers Nation analyst Trevor Lane argues Los Angeles should chase Derrick Jones Jr from the Clippers, calling him a poor fit for LA's rival to keep. He notes the Clippers' recent draft-pick forfeitures and fine as extra incentive to deal Jones for value now.
A trade idea floated around the league would send Myles Turner from Milwaukee to the Lakers for Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht and either Jaden Hardy or Jake LaRavia, depending on the outlet.
