Lakers’ Top Four Targets in Focus: Talks with Raptors, Nets, and Others, But Wizards Prove Most Fruitful

July 4th updates reveal that the Los Angeles Lakers are still seeking trades to bolster their roster. Sources indicate that after unsuccessful pursuits of Klay Thompson and others, the Lakers are now concentrating on using the expiring contract of D’Angelo Russell and their draft picks for roster upgrades.

With LeBron James having agreed to a max or near-max contract, the Lakers are set to operate between the first and second luxury tax thresholds, allowing them to utilize a $5.2 million mid-level exception.

According to sources, the Lakers have engaged in trade discussions with the Portland Trail Blazers regarding Jerami Grant, the Brooklyn Nets about Cam Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith, the Toronto Raptors over Bruce Brown, and the Washington Wizards concerning Kyle Kuzma, as well as other teams and targets. These names have emerged as the most linked to the Lakers thus far.

In all these negotiations, Russell, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, and Jalen Hood-Schifino have been involved. However, talks have stalled due to disagreements over draft picks.

Insiders say the Blazers are seeking two first-round picks for Grant, but concerns over his contract and potential fit as a secondary player on a winning team have deterred the Lakers and other suitors from meeting that price.

The Nets, sources suggest, are looking for a first-round pick in exchange for Finney-Smith, while Johnson’s contract and injury history make teams cautious.

The Raptors previously exercised Brown’s $23 million team option but plan to move him this summer, asking for a first-round selection. Brown’s contract is set to expire after the 2024-25 season.

Regarding Kuzma, the Wizards nearly traded him to the Dallas Mavericks last season. Over the past year, both league and team sources have consistently believed that Kuzma desires a return to LA, a sentiment echoed by the Lakers. Current insiders close to the team note that the Lakers’ discussions with the Wizards have been the most productive.

In each case, a compromise stands between the parties and the next step. For the Lakers, time is of the essence, as they still have work to do in free agency.