Lakers Rumor: 30YO Forward Decides LA Future, as Rob Pelinka Eyes 6’1″ Guard Amid Donovan Mitchell Buzz

The Los Angeles Lakers have been busy this off-season. The team has been making headlines for potential roster changes and player moves. They’ve been in talks about having eyes on Washington Wizards’ Tyus Jones and Cleveland Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell. Both players will be hitting the free agency very soon. This may spell bad news for Lakers Forward Taurean Prince, who wishes to extend his stay with the team.

When asked about his free agency plans in an interview, Prince expressed his appreciation for his life in Los Angeles, stating, “The quality of life in Los Angeles is something that myself and my family hasn’t had in probably like 3-4 seasons. To stay here would be, definitely, number one. If not that, then wherever the dominoes fall, wherever it’s best, that’s where I’ll be. But I for sure wanna be a Laker, 100%.” But with the rate at which the Lakers are being linked to many trade rumors, Prince might have to let go of his hopes of living in Los Angeles.

Rob Pelinka, the head of the Lakers front office, is actively exploring ways to strengthen the team’s backcourt. And Tyus Jones, is one of the options, according to an NBA insider. And the Wizards’ 28-year-old floor general is anticipated to be a highly sought-after player.

Lakers’ point guard, D’Lo, is hitting free agency this summer and may not extend. In which case, the Lakers need to fill in their PG position; hence, Jones. Rob Pelinka may even have a preference for the Wizard since the player used to be his client. Tyus has great ball control and makes for an exceptional playmaker.

This off-season is crucial for the Lakers, they’re currently in the process of hiring a new Head Coach as well. On the other hand, Tyus Jones and Donovan Mitchell are not the only probable candidates either. They’ve reportedly been linked to Atlanta Hawks guards Dejounte Murray and Trae Young. On top of that, fans are excited about the possibility of Bronny joining his dad LeBron James on the roster this summer.

Lakers’ potential player moves

Although Donovan Mitchell is still under contract with the Cavs, his name has come up in trade talks, and the Lakers are supposedly closely monitoring the situation. His contract will be expiring in 2025. Unfortunately for the Lakers, Cleveland is confident about signing an extension with their star player. He’ll be eligible to receive a 4-year extension worth $208 million after July 6.

At the same time, LeBron James will also be hitting free agency. According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, “The Lakers intend to have LeBron James come back on any term that he wants to.” And the player himself has expressed wishes to stay. In an interview, he said, “I am a Laker and I’m happy and been very happy being a Laker the last six years and hopefully it stays that way. But I don’t have the answer to how long it is or which uniform I’ll be in. Hopefully, it’s with the Lakers. It’s a great organization, so many greats. But we’ll see.”

But will the Lakers move to acquire Bronny in this season’s draft? LeBron has admitted to wanting to play alongside his son. He said, “I need to be on the floor with my boy.” Is it possible that in an effort to retain their superstar player, the Lakers might go for Bronny?

He is projected to be the #54 overall pick in Round 2, a pick held by the Boston Celtics currently. If the Lakers don’t make a move, the Celtics could also use this to their advantage and seek out LeBron. The possibilities are endless and exciting.

Fans and analysts alike will be closely observing the Lakers as the free agency period draws near. The choices the Lakers front office makes this summer will change their trajectory. With so many rumors and possibilities at hand, it is hard to say how the off-season will pan out.

Only time can tell.