The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly open to trading their future first-round picks in search of roster improvements.
Following several major trades, including the blockbuster deal for Anthony Davis, the Lakers have limited options for first-round picks in the coming years.
The closest first-round picks available for trade are in 2029 and 2031.
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka has not ruled out the possibility of using these picks in trades.
Dan Woike tweeted Pelinka’s thoughts, stating, “Rob Pelinka says the philosophy is ‘sustained Lakers excellence’ in reference to trading both of the 2029, 2031 firsts.”
Pelinka indicated that one of these picks could be utilized for a marginal upgrade to the team.
The Lakers’ first-round picks for 2025 through 2028 have already been traded away in various deals.
Their 2029 pick is a top-five protected first-round pick from the Davis trade, which means it will only convey if the Lakers are outside the top five picks.
The 2031 pick is also available and can be part of a trade package or kept for their own draft needs.
Both the 2029 and 2031 picks are seen as more appealing due to their limited protections.
