The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly prepared to trade up to three first-round draft picks to improve their roster as they aim to contend for a championship this season. With LeBron James nearing his 40th birthday and Anthony Davis in his prime, the Lakers are operating with a win-now approach.
According to ESPN’s NBA insider Shams Charania, Los Angeles is actively monitoring the trade market to find players who can bolster their current lineup and remain key contributors for several years. “My sources in the Lakers’ front office tell me they’re open to moving three first-round picks,” Charania revealed, via Jonah Kubicek of The Sporting News.
The Lakers possess tradable first-round picks in 2029, 2030, and 2031. They also have the option to swap first-round selections in 2026 and 2028. However, with James potentially retiring and Davis approaching the later stages of his career by that time, the Lakers are focused on avoiding a prolonged rebuilding period in the future.
Any potential trade would aim to balance immediate needs and long-term stability under head coach JJ Redick. Charania explained, “They want a player or players that they feel can get into this iteration of this team with LeBron James and Anthony Davis but can also play for three, four, or five years.”
The Lakers currently sit sixth in the Western Conference with a 17-13 record. Despite their relatively strong start, the front office is keenly aware of the need to provide James and Davis with additional support to compete with top-tier teams in the West.
The Purple and Gold have previously demonstrated their willingness to make bold moves, as seen last season when they revamped the roster at the trade deadline, leading to a Western Conference Finals appearance. This time, the stakes are even higher, with James’ career winding down and Davis in his 12th NBA season.
