The Los Angeles Lakers, while improving, still find themselves short of true contender status in the ultra-competitive Western Conference. With a 22-18 record placing them at No. 6 in the West, the Lakers’ recent performances highlight both promise and glaring weaknesses. A potential multi-team trade, as proposed using the Spotrac trade machine, could address some of their future needs while also aiding the Washington Wizards and Memphis Grizzlies.
Lakers eye the future, stack picks for a larger move
In this proposed deal:
- Lakers receive: 2026 and 2030 second-round draft picks
- Wizards receive: Jalen Hood-Schifino, John Konchar, and a 2031 second-round pick
- Grizzlies receive: Jonas Valanciunas
For the Lakers, the focus shifts to accumulating second-round picks, aligning with recent insights from The Athletic’s Jovan Buha. The picks could serve as critical trade chips for a more significant acquisition down the line. With Anthony Davis missing games and the team struggling for consistency, Los Angeles appears to be preparing for both immediate and long-term moves to stay competitive around LeBron James.
The Wizards’ promising haul
The Wizards, firmly entrenched in a rebuild, emerge as the big winners in terms of player development. They acquire:
- Jalen Hood-Schifino: A former Lakers draft pick brimming with potential but lacking a defined role in Los Angeles. The young guard could flourish in Washington, where more playing time awaits.
- John Konchar: A reliable depth option with a career average of 4.4 points per game, who may find more minutes and opportunities to contribute meaningfully in Washington.
- 2031 second-round pick: Another future asset for the Wizards to add to their growing draft war chest.
Washington gains two players who can grow with their young roster while also stockpiling assets for the future.
Grizzlies reunite with a veteran big
Memphis gains much-needed height and veteran presence in Jonas Valanciunas, a familiar face who spent three productive seasons with the franchise. Averaging 13.3 points and 9.4 rebounds over his 13-year career, Valanciunas offers an immediate boost in rebounding and interior scoring. For a young Memphis team eager to stay competitive in the Western Conference, his return could bring stability and leadership.
Lakers’ recent struggles demand a shake-up
The Lakers’ inconsistency has been evident. Despite a career-high 38-point performance from Austin Reaves in a nail-biting win against the Brooklyn Nets, the team’s struggles against weaker opponents raise red flags. Adding draft capital through smaller moves could pave the way for a larger acquisition to address roster weaknesses, particularly in their frontcourt and defensive consistency.
The verdict
While the Lakers don’t gain immediate on-court assets, this trade primes them for future flexibility. The Wizards further their rebuild with promising young talent, and the Grizzlies solidify their interior depth with a seasoned center. The move aligns with the Lakers’ rumored strategy of leveraging second-round picks to position themselves for a more impactful deal.