The Lakers have been in the lurch for a long time this offseason because of their inability to land any significant talent. First, it was Klay Thompson, then Paul George, and ultimately Lauri Markkanen. However, the front office has still not witnessed any significant progress there. The main cause? It is the current assets of the Lakers that the teams are targeting for a trade. The most demanded pieces from the Purple and Gold are Rui Hachimura and D’Angelo Russell. However, both of them have come off excellent seasons, and supporting the cause, insider Trevor Lane has got it all sorted for Rob Pelinka.

Lane recently proposed a trade where the Lakers would not lose their current top assets and also get to make a significant off-season move. The Purple and Gold need someone in the center to assist Anthony Davis with the rim protection. Walker Kessler from Jazz and Wendell Carter Jr. of Magic are ideal candidates for this role since the LA side is already above the first apron mark. So, how do you manage the trade?

“When you’ve got a guy like Wendell Carter Jr. who is making $11 million and when you’ve got a guy like Walker Kessler who is making $3 million. It’s much easier to make a trade where you’re only giving up future assets and not current ones,” Trevor Lane proposed his plan to the community on Lakers Nation.

It fits with the salary equation for the Lakers since Kessler is about to earn just below $3 million with Jazz this year on his 4-year, $13 million contract. On the other hand, Carter Jr. is set to earn about $11.9 million this year (a 4-year, $50 million deal).

Since the Lakers can only trade equals in salary, Gabe Vincent and Christian Wood are their ideal candidates. Gabe is on the second year of his $33 million contract and will earn $11 million this year and Wood has got $3 million credit on books with the Lakers. So, instead of a power forward and point guard duo, the Lakers might go for the elite centers. Coming to those that the Lakers are defending so much: Hachimura and D’Lo. Why are they so important to LeBron James and Co.?

Will Rui Hachimura and D’Angelo Russell remain untradable assets for the Lakers?

The 28-year-old DLo opted in for his $18 million player option for the 2024-25 season. So he’ll be an immediate asset to the team. Last season, he averaged 18 points and 6.3 assists, fulfilling his role as a playmaker, going 45.6% from the field. On the other end, Rui Hachimura is also coming off a great season, with just under 14 points on a 53.7% field goal accuracy. This was his stat line while dealing with the injuries in the last season while also improving on the defensive end as well, averaging 4.3 rebounds.

Then why does Rui Hachimura’s name pop up on every trade table? Apparently, he is one of the most tradeable guys on the Lakers squad. He is part of the list, including players like Gabe Vincent and Jarred Vanderbilt. So, teams think that Rob Pelinka and Co. will want to offload him, safeguarding the likes of D’Lo and everyone above that rank.

However, it’s not true that the Lakers will never trade guys like DLo and Rui Hachimura. But as Trevor Lane stated, “I’m not saying to keep long term, but it’s much easier to actually add to the roster.” And it’s not wrong. LeBron James is on the cusp of retiring in a few seasons. And it can’t get any better than bidding adieu to the hoops legend with an NBA Championship.

Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Asia Avinger