NBA Trade Deadline: Everything you need to know about the Lakers

A week from today, the Los Angeles Lakers’ roster could look a lot different as a result of the upcoming NBA trade deadline. While no one knows exactly what the front office plans to do ahead of Thursday’s deadline, the Lakers are expected to be active in the trade market.

This time of year can be confusing for fans, so instead of having to search everywhere for answers, here is everything you need to know about the Lakers leading up to the trade deadline.

When is the NBA trade deadline?

The NBA trade deadline is Thursday, Feb. 8 at 9 p.m. PST., which also happens to be Klay Thompson’s birthday. Luckily, he should be able to enjoy his big day without the agonizing fear of getting traded.

Are the Lakers going to make a trade?

Probably? The Lakers will explore trades that will allow them to have maximum financial flexibility heading into this summer, but if a trade like that doesn’t come along, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them stand pat.

Who is on the block?

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Lakers have made Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr. in trade talks. However, I’d say with the exception of maybe three players, everyone should be available for the right price.

Does that include Tyler Ennis?

Yes, especially Tyler Ennis.

Who is untouchable?

“Untouchable” is a strong word. Technically no one on a 19-win team that hasn’t made the playoffs in nearly five years should be considered untouchable, but rookies Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma, as well as second-year forward Brandon Ingram, should be off the table.

Can the Lakers trade any of their future picks?

Yes and no. The Lakers don’t have the rights to their own first-round pick this year because of the Steve Nash trade and because of the Ted Stepien rule, permitting teams from trading their own future first-round picks in consecutive years, the soonest the Lakers would be able to offer a future first-round pick would be on draft night.

They can, however, trade one of the second-round picks they’ve acquired in trades over the past few years, including Denver’s 2018 second-rounder and Chicago’s 2019 second-rounder.

But Steve Nash was good for them, right?

No. No, he was not.

Who have they been in talks with?

The Lakers have reportedly been contacted by the Cleveland Cavaliers for Clarkson, but it’s unclear whether or not those talks are ongoing. Other teams the Lakers have been linked to include the Dallas Mavericks, the Detroit Pistons and the New Orleans Pelicans.

Are they targeting anyone?

As far as we can know, no. The Lakers are expected to be sellers at the deadline, looking for cap relief, draft picks and/or young players on inexpensive contracts. They’re planning on doing their star searching during free agency rather than via the trade market.

Is there anything else I should know?

According to Discovery News, the loneliest creature on Earth is believed to be a whale who has been calling out for a mate for over two decades. Because this whale’s call is so high-pitched and different from other whales, it may never find its’ mate.

... are you okay?

Sure.

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