Insider Reveals Lakers’ Potential ‘Interest’ In Trade For $91 Million Duo
The Los Angeles Lakers could make a few big moves sooner than expected. The team could use fresh power and experts have some suggestions. According to a recent trade scenario, the Lakers will make an effort to grab a talented duo.
Who is the best fit for the team? Jovan Buha from The Athletic bets on Royce O’Neale and Dorian Finney-Smith.
“Maybe you … go for Royce O’Neale and Dorian Finney-Smith,” Buha said on the “Hoops Tonight” podcast on December 26. “Those are two guys the Lakers have had interest in dating back to last offseason and even last trade deadline. So I know that those are two guys that they would have interest in bringing in.”
Lakers could benefit from the duo
Finney-Smith averages 10.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists to on 44.8% shooting on 5.5 threes per game. The Nets got him from the Dallas Mavericks last season and he is in the middle of his second year with the team.
DORIAN FINNEY-SMITH DAGGER pic.twitter.com/hK0TTuMlHq
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) December 27, 2023
O’Neale signed with the Nets before the 2022-23 NBA season. He averages 7.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists.
“I think finding at least one of those [3-and-D] guys, if not a couple, if possible … would still be an overall upgrade to the rotation if you could bring both of those guys in,” Buha added.
On Royce? N⛔️PE pic.twitter.com/muYcHwVLSn
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) November 9, 2023
How much will the Lakers have to pay to get these two?
“Rival executives expect the Nets to continue to have a high asking price worth the equivalent of two first-round picks if they trade him with the hope that the asking price will drop closer to the trade deadline,” wrote Michael Scotto of HoopsHype on November 29.
“A few executives who spoke with HoopsHype believe Brooklyn would want a protected first-round pick for O’Neale, an upcoming unrestricted free agent.”
The Lakers have a chance to improve their game, but pretty much every potential scenario seems like a big speculation now.
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About The Author
R. M.
Radmila graduated with a degree in Translation & Interpreting. She is an NBA and NFL writer for The Ball Zone, and has been covering popular sports topics for several years. A loyal Lakers fan, she puts energy into reporting big roster moves, potential trades, on-court-accomplishments, and off-court rumors.
