Pistons’ Bojan Bogdanovic a ‘Principle Target’ for Lakers

The Lakers remain on the lookout for perimeter shooting ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline, with Pistons forward Bojan Bogdanovic being a “principle target,” per Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report.

While the Lakers have been taking part in talks, it seems they are close to nothing at this point. As Haynes relayed, the Pistons have been telling teams they aren’t parting with Bogdanovic.

Also, as we relayed here, the Lakers have taken part in exploratory talks with the Jazz on Los Angeles guard Russell Westbrook. 

As for Bogdanovic, the Lakers reportedly have had him on the radar since last offseason, when he was still a member of the Jazz. He was traded to the Pistons before the season, then signed a two-year, $39.1 million contract extension.

The Lakers reportedly spoke to the Pistons about a Bogdanovic trade in early December. If they do decide to move him, they would undoubtedly want a first-round pick as part of the return. And the Lakers are in short supply of those, with their next two trade-eligible first-rounders not coming until 2027 and ’29.

Bogdanovic, 33, is averaging 21.4 points and 49 percent shooting, including 42 percent on 3-pointers, in 49 games. He is also said to be drawing interest from the Cavaliers, Heat, Mavericks and Hawks, among others.

One rival GM told Hoops Wire he believes the Pistons will hold on to Bogdanovic at the trade deadline and beyond.

We have more on the Lakers right here, and always on our Lakers page.

With Los Angeles Lakers aiming for another trade before the deadline, conversations were had with the Utah Jazz centered on Russell Westbrook, league sources told @BleacherReport: https://t.co/A8bksUicyW

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 3, 2023