The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most watched teams around heading into the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline.
In recent weeks L.A. has been linked to a win-win-win trade, some moves involving D’Angelo Russell, and a swap involving Alex Caruso.
Plus, on top of all those moves, Rob Pelinka and Co. were connected to a potential blockbuster trade earlier this week.
According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN, Donovan Mitchell is someone the franchise has set its sights on.
“The Lakers have discussed internally the possibility of packaging three picks, along with players they already have on their books, to pursue a bona fide star, such as Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers,” he wrote.
McMenamin is known for two things: his controversial relationship with a fellow ESPN personality and being one of the most plugged-in Lakers insiders around. If he is saying Mitchell-to-Los Angeles has legs, then it definitely does.
So far this season Mitchell is averaging 27.7 points, 5.5 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game. The latter two numbers are career-highs. The scoring isn’t, but it is coming on a reasonably efficient 46 percent shooting from the field and 34.9 percent shooting from three.
Mitchell is currently in the third year of a five-year deal that sees him becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2026. If the Cavaliers want to get something of value of him before he leaves for nothing, they have to trade him.
And soon.
It goes without saying that Los Angeles will continue kicking the tires on things like a reunion with two former players, a swap with the Golden State Warriors and five interesting role players.
Olivia Dunne’s Sister Julz Goes Out Wearing No Shirt At All: https://t.co/358iKBe1OQ
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That said, someone like Mitchell is different.
He is a superstar who can continue to lead L.A. even past the point in the not-so-distant future when LeBron James retires.
Will the Lakers find a way to acquire Mitchell when everything is and done? Time will tell.
Related: What Warriors Are Demanding In Any Jonathan Kuminga Trade
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.