Lakers Have Sights on New Big Man Trade Target
![Jul 2, 2024; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka at a press conference at the UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Jul 2, 2024; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka at a press conference at the UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_9335,h_5250,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/195/01j2hhscq8dppd0m9cwk.jpg)
The Los Angeles Lakers have had an underwhelming offseason thus far, to say the least. The Lakers have failed to add another playmaker via free agency or the trade market.
As we get deeper into the offseason, it becomes more and more likely that the Lakers aren't going to make any splashy moves. They've only drafted Dalton Knecht and Bronny James before they re-signed LeBron James.
GM Rob Pelinka still needs to add more talent to the roster and a new trade target in the frontcourt has emerged.
Sean Deveney of Heavy Sports dropped an article discussing how the Lakers are monitoring Orlando Magic center Wendall Carter Jr.
"Fairly young, probably a little undervalued because of his red flags (injuries) and still tapping into his skillset. The contract is right, it makes sense for them. That’s a guy they’re monitoring, but a lot of teams are."
- NBA executive
Carter is currently on a four-year, $50 million deal and would have to be acquired via trade but that isn't a crazy thought. The Magic need some help in the backcourt and that's where guard D'Angelo Russell could be interesting.
The Lakers are showing interest in Wendell Carter Jr., per @SeanDeveney pic.twitter.com/q21FnQlhqw
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 11, 2024
Prior to free agency, the Magic were linked to Russell before he decided to opt into his $18.7 million player option with Los Angeles.
They may need to attach a pick in the deal but Carter could be worth it. The Duke product can finish in the paint with either hand with a nice post-up game. He can also space the floor as a shooter while being a reliable rebounder.
Last season with the Magic, he averaged 11 points, 6.9 rebounds, and shot a career-high 37.4% from beyond the arc.
His biggest struggle in his career thus far is trying to stay healthy. If he can stay on the floor, he's a solid presence in the frontcourt and makes his team better.
For the right price, he's someone the Lakers should be all over.
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