Lakers Weighing When to Make Changes; Wizards Not Open to Bradley Beal Trade

Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka and the front office are trying to decide whether they should attempt to make wholesale changes relatively soon, or wait until closer to the end of the season, sources told Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report.

One thing that’s pretty evident is that LeBron James and other players would prefer the Lakers move their next two trade-eligible first-round picks (2027 and ’29) if it means immediate help, per Haynes. The Lakers reportedly have refused to include both picks in trade proposals.

Along with that, Haynes reported that the Lakers “covet” Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal.

Sources have told Hoops Wire, however, the Wizards are satisfied with their roster and aren’t looking to move Beal, especially not for anyone who the Lakers may be willing to include a deal. Both Lakers picks and several players on their current roster wouldn’t be enough for the Wizards to trade Beal to LA, sources said.

It is not known if Pelinka and the Lakers would make both picks available, anyway. That’s especially the case since those alone would not likely result in significant improvement.

“With the team’s trajectory trending south, sources indicate the front office is unlikely to attach those picks to a potential trade out of concern that such a transaction would not significantly change the course of the season,” Haynes wrote.

The Lakers also repeatedly have been linked to Pacers center Myles Turner and shooting guard Buddy Hield, though it is not “internally believed” within the organization that those two would offer vast improvements, Haynes wrote.

The Lakers (2-9) have lost four straight, with James expected to miss at least Friday’s game against the Kings with an abductor injury.

Meanwhile, the Lakers have been fielding calls about point guard Russell Westbrook, per Haynes. Clearly, they are open to such dialogue, given that they have explored Westbrook trades since last season’s trading deadline in February.

The Lakers are not looking to trade power forward Anthony Davis, Haynes added.