The Los Angeles Lakers have found themselves at a crossroads this season following the recent decision to rescind the Mark Williams trade, leaving the team without a starting-caliber big man. This move has not just put the current season on pause; it has also set the stage for potential shifts within the team's roster as they eye the offseason.
By pulling back on the Williams trade, the Lakers are now evaluating the assets at their disposal going forward. Notably, the organization holds several valuable assets including the 2031 first-round pick, additional second-round picks for 2025 and 2032, along with numerous pick swaps ranging from 2026 to 2032.
One asset of peculiar interest is the 2031 first-round pick, which could be of significant value depending on the health and performance of Dallas Mavericks' star Luka Doncic over the next few years. Should Doncic's play decline due to injuries or other factors, this pick could potentially turn out to be a high lottery selection.
For the players currently on the roster, the Lakers are banking on certain individuals to step up and increase their trade value. Rookie Dalton Knecht has been struggling, averaging just 9.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and connecting only on 28.2% of his shots since his promising start. His early-season form, where he shot 42.9% from three-point range, is now just a memory, and as NBA Underdog noted, "Considering he doesn't offer much on the court outside of his shooting, his stock isn't all too high at the moment."
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Rui Hachimura has been performing well, contributing 13.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and showcasing good efficiency with shooting splits of 50.7% from the field and 42.7% from beyond the arc. His solid performances come at the right time, as he is set to earn $18.2 million next season, making him quite appealing to other teams.
Meanwhile, Gabe Vincent has experienced his own resurgence, shooting 40.4% from beyond the arc since December. After being somewhat underwhelming initially, he is now proving to be the player the Lakers envisioned when giving him a three-year, $33 million deal. Vincent's role has been strengthening as he embarks upon making his $11.5 million salary work for the team. NBA Underdog remarked, "While Knecht has struggled with his shot as the season has gone by, Gabe Vincent has gone the opposite route," highlighting his upward trend of late.
Maxi Kleber, albeit potentially the least valuable of the mentioned players, remains relevant. With his contract set to expire after the season, the former starter still provides teams with immediate flexibility, making him desirable for franchises needing to match salaries.
While this suite of assets may not suffice to land the most coveted superstars, they collectively present enough promise to acquire at least one star or promising young player. The Lakers are believed to be keeping their eyes on younger talent. Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz has been on the Lakers' radar for some time, and his skill set can fit well with what Los Angeles needs moving forward.
There’s also the potential pursuit of Nic Claxton, the Brooklyn Nets center, as the Lakers prepare to use their expiring contracts strategically to acquire talent. The failed trade of Mark Williams showed the Lakers are ready and willing to give up significant assets for the right profile.
The offseason will be pivotal for the Lakers, presenting not only several options for trades but also decisions on how best to position themselves for future growth.
With the right acquisitions, the Lakers could lay the groundwork for long-term success, even amid setbacks from this season. Fans will be watching closely as the Lakers explore various avenues to rebuild and strengthen their roster, eager to find out who will don the purple and gold jersey come next season.