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NBA Trade Season Has Officially Kicked Off. Where Do the Lakers Stand?
Episode 2538
December 15 is a big day in the NBA, as the vast majority of players who moved in the offseason become eligible to be traded. Many around the league consider it the unofficial kickoff of "trade season."
The Lakers enter this stretch of weeks in an interesting spot: Obviously quite competitive (just look at the standings) and obviously flawed (just look at how they've lost, when they've lost). Figuring out where they go from here is not an easy task. On the one hand, they have Luka Dončić, a still-effective LeBron James and an ascending Austin Reaves. But they also lack the type of draft capital or young trade assets that typically juice in-season deals. They do have expiring contracts to offer (Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber, Rui Hachimura) but there aren't a ton of players who might be available that the Lakers could target.
One huge question that will likely impact the ultimate outcome more than just about anything: Are the Lakers willing to take on money that goes not just into next year, but into the summer of 2026, when big fish like Giannis and Jokic could be available as free agents? Are we back to cap space at all costs? Or are the Lakers ready to move (smartly but) aggressively not because they want to maximize the LeBron window, but Luka's prime?
There's not likely to be another Nico Harrison out there to help Rob Pelinka this year, so it'll take some clever GM'ing to get it done.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: Trade season is here?
SEGMENT 2: What the Lakers have to offer.
SEGMENT 3: Expectations? What's the right approach?
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