The Lakers' season is coming to an end, but their reinforcements should be ready to start, and according to the existing veteran-dominated lineup, It is difficult for Pelinka to achieve reinforcements only through pure player trades while retaining thick eyebrows and James. The author feels that the Lakers should consider using the first round of signings in 2027 and 2029 as one of the trading chips. Otherwise, there really aren't too many teams willing to make a reciprocal trade with the Lakers. You can pay attention to it, if you see the Lakers trading rumors now, as long as there is no first-round signing, it is basically fake news, which is a good basis for judging.
If nothing else, Westbrook won't be a part of the Lakers next season, but he will certainly execute player options. There are two reasons, first, this is the last big contract of his career, the annual salary of the last year of the contract period is as high as 47 million US dollars, there is no reason not to execute, even if the follow-up can only get the veteran's basic salary contract, but also to take away their own treatment in full. That means the Lakers can choose from teams eager to rebuild to seek the possibility of taking over Westbrook, such as the Pistons, Pacers, Thunder, Wizards, etc., who don't mind enduring a year and freeing up more salary space when Westbrook's contract expires.
The Lakers and James will not be separated for the time being, so entering the playoffs or even regaining the championship will definitely become two important goals for the Lakers next season. Westbrook has proven to be unable to assist James and Thick Brow very well, and it is logical that this burden should be dealt with as a priority. Player trade is a viable option, but no one can guarantee that it will be as desired, and the Lakers have another option, which is to buy out Westbrook's contract and slowly digest Westbrook's salary over the next three years. Anyway, as long as it can make room for Westbrook, the Lakers should be willing to execute.
According to the current trade rumors, the Lakers have a potential trading plan with the Pacers and pistons, and the trading targets are the Pacers' cap king Turner and the quality guard Brogdon, as well as the Pistons' toughest player Grant. The Lakers have also chased Turner and Grant before, but both ended in failure, and the core is not that these teams are unwilling to accept Westbrook, but that the Lakers have not let go of the first-round picks. If the Lakers are willing to send out the first round of signings, these teams will naturally fly their eyebrows, and they will definitely open the skylight to say bright words, and trade how to trade. Rebuilding the team is eager for the future, and the Lakers should provide these future options, otherwise how can they exchange James for immediate combat power?
The author analyzes and suggests that the Lakers prioritize the core grant of the Pistons. First of all, the Lakers should have a clear understanding of Grant's situation, the Pistons focus on cultivating Cunningham, basically nothing about Grant, it is a good time to pursue. Second, Grant has the right to jump out of the contract, then the Pistons will face huge losses, but the Lakers will have a hard time competing with other teams in the free market to get Grant. So, trading with the Pistons is the best way to send Westbrook and the first-round pick and get the coveted Grant, killing two birds with one stone. Grant, whether it is speed, arm span and defensive awareness, is the league's top, is a rare forward fighter, the Lakers just need this kind of player to improve the quality of defense, to help James and thick eyebrows. These are the author's personal opinions for the time being, and these trading rumors deserve continued attention, depending on the sincerity of the Lakers.