NBA Rumors: Lakers Saving 1st Round Picks For 2 "Splashy" Potential Trade Targets

Things could be getting even more interesting than usual around the Los Angeles Lakers, as LeBron James and the team hierarchy are seemingly having a tug-of-war over what to do at the trade deadline. James has, in so many words, urged the front office to use its infamous 2027 & 2029 first-rounders to bring in some help for this team. 

But according to a new report, the Lakers are hoping to hold on to those picks to chase a "splashy" big-name target, should they become available. NBA Insider Marc Stein has the names:

REPORT: “Some rival front offices” believe that the Lakers are saving their 2027 and 2029 1st-round picks for a “splashier trade target such as Zach Lavine or Bradley Beal.”

(via @TheSteinLine, https://t.co/xHctKn6SqQ) pic.twitter.com/pb42YEyGaG

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 9, 2023

The belief in some rival front offices persists that the Lakers are saving those picks for a splashier trade target such as Washington's Bradley Beal or Chicago's Zach LaVine.

                                                                                               —Marc Stein

It's not known if either player is available at this point (word from the Washington Wizards and Chicago Bulls, respectively, is that they're not). Both players have also faced injury problems, which, combined with Anthony Davis, could put even more pressure on the Lakers' medical staff if they were to somehow acquire one of them. 

And as for LeBron and his words of wisdom for the front office ("Y'all know what the f*** needs to happen"), he denied today that he's growing impatient, as Sam Amick of The Athletic wrote on Sunday.

Hey Sam actually my patience isn’t waning. You make it sound like I’m frustrated when I’m really not. I told you over and over, my job is focused on the guys in the locker room, my job isn’t the roster. That’s the reality of that conversation. And I said what I said with the https://t.co/NocLse0dVf

— LeBron James (@KingJames) January 8, 2023

"Hey Sam actually my patience isn’t waning," tweeted James. "You make it sound like I’m frustrated when I’m really not. I told you over and over, my job is focused on the guys in the locker room, my job isn’t the roster."

LeBron has certainly been doing 'his job' lately, carrying the Lakers on his back with Anthony Davis out. They've won five straight, and James is averaging 38 points per game over his last four contests. 

Photo: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports