Gary Trent Jr. Rich Storry/Getty Images
The reality is that partnering Markkanen with James and Anthony Davis to form a power trio in L.A. probably isn’t going to happen. The Lakers simply don’t have the necessary assets and reportedly don’t view the “big-three” approach as a viable option anyway.
“They’re not involved in any deals that certainly would land them a third star,” ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski told SportsCenter on July 3 (h/t Evan Sidery of Forbes). “They’re seeing the landscape of this league, and that the three-star model, with this salary cap, doesn’t work.”
However, the Lakers could still make a player swap—likely moving Russell in the process—or sign a player to the veteran’s minimum or the taxpayer’s mid-level exception.
According to Deveney, the Lakers are eyeing Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. but face competition on the trade market.
“The contract is right, it makes sense for them. That’s a guy they’re monitoring, but a lot of teams are,” one unnamed executive told Deveney.
From a cost standpoint, the Lakers could probably get a deal done with Orlando. The Magic could use a guard like Russell and could be interested in draft capital. However, the interest of other teams could quickly drive Carter’s price point past L.A.’s comfort level.
The Lakers are also interested in free agent guard Gary Trent Jr. However, their status at just $45,001 under the second apron is a big potential problem, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
“One source close to the process cautioned this week that the Lakers, until they can move farther away from the second luxury tax apron, can’t even make a run at Trent … no matter how available he appears to be,” Stein wrote (h/t Bleacher Report’s Erik Beaston).
Before adding a free agent like Trent, the Lakers will have to first find a way to move players and salary. They went into last season with 14 players on the roster to maintain trade flexibility, and they currently have 15 under contract. Trent, meanwhile, isn’t willing to sign a minimum contract, according to DNVR Sports’ Harrison Wind.
There will be obstacles to adding another supporting player, though if the Lakers believe it can strengthen the roster, it is feasible.
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