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The LA Lakers are reportedly once again considering a trade for Detroit Pistons sharpshooting forward Bojan Bogdanovic. This comes after the Lakers were heavily engaged in trade talks for Bogdanovic before the season when he was a member of the Utah Jazz.
In other news, the Lakers organization reportedly has strong fears regarding their 2023 pick-swap with the New Orleans Pelicans possibly costing them the No. 1 pick.
On that note, here are the latest rumors surrounding the LA Lakers as of Nov. 15th, 2022
LA Lakers might be in mix for Bojan Bogdanovic
Bojan Bogdanovic is reportedly expected to be in high demand among contenders before this season’s trade deadline according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.
During a recent episode of his podcast “Please Don't Aggregate This,” Fischer listed the LA Lakers and Phoenix Suns as possible suitors for Bogdanovic. However, he added that negotiations haven’t been serious yet. Instead, teams are just calling the Pistons to gauge Bogdanovic’s trade value.
The Lakers' interest in Bogdanovic has been well-documented. They nearly acquired Bogdanovic from the Utah Jazz before the season in a deal involving point guard Russell Westbrook. However, Bogdanovic was instead traded to the Detroit Pistons where he has had a very productive season.
The 33-year-old has averages of 20.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 2.8 3-pointers per game. He also has a very efficient 50.0/41.6/87.7 shooting split.
Detroit signed Bogdanovic to a two-year, $39.1 million contract extension in October. But considering that the Pistons are 3-12 and 15th in the Eastern Conference, it may make sense for them to sell high on Bogdanovic. If they do, the LA Lakers, who rank dead last in the NBA in team 3-point percentage (30.7%) remain an intriguing fit.
For more on the possibility of a Bojan Bogdanovic-LA Lakers trade, click here.
LA Lakers have “palpable fear” of Pelicans pick swap amid Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes
After their disappointing 3-10 start, the LA Lakers’ organization is reportedly growing worried about their 2023 pick swap with the New Orleans Pelicans. This is due to the possibility of the Lakers winning the draft sweepstakes for 7-foot-3 generational French draft prospect Victor Wembanyama. If they do so, his draft rights will immediately be swapped to New Orleans.
NBA reporter Marc Stein said that there is now "palpable fear" within the Lakers organization over the possibility of losing out on Wembanyama. The Lakers currently have the third-worst record in the league. However, the current NBA Draft Lottery odds give an equal 14.0% chance to the bottom three teams.
So there's a decent chance that the Lakers could land the Pelicans a chance to draft Wembanyama or star point guard prospect Scoot Henderson. Either one would likely be a nightmare scenario for the Lakers.
LA Lakers don’t think they can judge team until Dennis Schroder and Thomas Bryant return from injury
Despite the LA Lakers being in desperate need of shooting and scoring, the team has remained patient. According to Marc Stein, the Lakers may continue to give their current roster more time to prove themselves.
Stein said the Lakers are waiting on veteran point guard Dennis Schroder and big man Thomas Bryant to return from injury before judging the team.
"The Lakers have indeed looked at free agents for a potential in-season roster boost — first Moe Harkless and more recently Joe Wieskamp and Tony Snell — but the sense I got after spending the past week in L.A. is that their preference is to wait for the returns of Dennis Schroder and Thomas Bryant before making judgments that could lead to changes,” Stein said.
She continued:
“The Lakers have high hopes that Schroder in particular can give the offense a boost after both he and Bryant sustained thumb injuries during the preseason that required surgery."
"Lonnie Walker IV, who had 25 points in Sunday’s win over the Nets in Walker’s latest hopeful showing, spoke after the win about the Lakers finally having their “full team” Friday when they emerged from a four-day break to play host to Detroit. Schroder, Bryant, and LeBron James, who missed the past two games due to his adductor strain, are all expected to play against the Pistons,” Stein concluded.
Dennis Schroder has a career average of 14.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game over nine seasons. However, he is also a career 33.8% 3-point shooter.
Meanwhile, Thomas Bryant has career averages of 10.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks per game on 59.0% shooting over five seasons. Bryant is also a career 35.0% 3-point shooter. So it’s unlikely either player will be able to solve the Lakers’ shooting woes.
Also read: LeBron James injury update: Insider believes “Friday would be soon” for return
