The Los Angeles Lakers have set their sights on adding Donovan Mitchell this coming summer.
Although Mitchell’s desire to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers sooner rather than later is the worst kept secret in the NBA, what has been less talked about up to this point is him possibly coming to L.A.
This week, however, word began to circulate that Los Angeles viewed Mitchell as part of the organization’s long-term plans.
And as a result, the pursuit of Mitchell this summer would weigh heavy on what the Lakers did or didn’t do ahead of the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline.
“Sources tell CBS Sports that a complicating factor on whether or not the Lakers acquire an impact player in the next 24 hours is the belief within the organization they could have a chance to acquire Donovan Mitchell this summer,” the report noted.
This isn’t the first time Mitchell has been connected to the Lakers. In fact, the Cavs’ trade demand for the Lakers as far as Mitchell goes is a matter of public record. It is quite different than the Lakers’ best trade offer to them for the talented 27-year-old.
That being said, there is a win-win to be had for all sides.
Mitchell is currently in the third year of his $163 million contract. In 2025-26, he has a player option. All signs currently point to him departing Cleveland at that point.
What does that mean? It means that if the Cavaliers want to get something for him – now is the time to do it.
The Lakers, meanwhile, are scrambling to plan for a post-LeBron James future. Clearly they still have Anthony Davis, but he is going to need a second star.
Mitchell is that guy.
There is a reason the Lakers have kept Austin Reaves off the table in any potential trades this year. It has increased his value immensely if and when they do finally agree to put him on the market.
And in recent days, L.A. has quietly let it slip the one circumstance under which they would agree to part ways with Reaves.
Jordyn Woods’ Wild Outfit To Karl-Anthony Towns’ Latest Game Goes Viral: https://t.co/2mIEczzd7E
— Game 7 (@game7__) February 5, 2024
That isn’t an accident.
The Lakers are playing the long game here, and Mitchell is a part of it. Will L.A. get its man come this summer? Time will tell.
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A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
