The Los Angeles Lakers have had a strong start to the season, currently holding a 3-0 record. This early success might encourage the front office to consider making a trade, as the team looks capable of contending for a championship.
Colin Keane from The Sporting News recently suggested an intriguing trade. His proposal involves sending Jaxson Hayes, Christian Wood, and Jarred Vanderbilt to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for Bennedict Mathurin. Keane also noted that the Lakers could include draft picks to make the deal more appealing.
“The Pacers must be pleased that Mathurin is back healthy. However, their strong performance last year without him might make them more open to trading him if the right offer comes along,” Keane stated on October 26. “The Lakers would definitely be interested in Mathurin as they seek to bolster their guard or wing scoring.”
Keane explained that the Pacers might find a trade package from the Lakers appealing, especially since they need additional frontcourt depth. A combination of Hayes, Wood, and Vanderbilt could fit that need. If the Lakers added draft picks, it could further entice the Pacers. Mathurin would be a great addition for the Lakers, providing instant offense off the bench and is currently in the penultimate year of his four-year, $30 million rookie deal.
However, there are reasons the trade might not happen. Mathurin has shown significant potential as a player, averaging 16.7 points per game in his rookie season and following up with 14.5 points per game while shooting 37.4% from beyond the arc in his second year.
While the trade for Mathurin is appealing, the Pacers may hesitate to move him to the Lakers or any other team. Additionally, the Lakers are also looking for a center, so trading frontcourt players for a 6-foot-6 guard wouldn’t address that need.
Jovan Buha from The Athletic recently reported on the Lakers’ interest in Walker Kessler, suggesting he could provide valuable minutes as a starting center alongside Anthony Davis. “Walker Kessler is a player the Lakers are interested in, which makes sense. He could either start in a two-big lineup or come off the bench for two-big shifts,” Buha noted on October 25.
If the Lakers decide to pursue a trade, the front office will face tough decisions. Buha indicated that if they do trade, D’Angelo Russell might be the likely candidate. “It’s too early to make any definitive moves based on one game,” Buha mentioned on October 23. “However, I believe the plan remains to explore the situation with D-Lo.”
If the Lakers were to trade Russell, they could consider acquiring Mathurin. While he isn’t a point guard, the 22-year-old could serve as a shooting guard and provide additional depth to their backcourt.
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