5 roster moves the Los Angeles Lakers must make this offseason
By Dalton Sell
Moves the Los Angeles Lakers need to make this offseason: Find a viable trade partner for Talen Horton-Tucker, Kendrick Nunn, and their 2027 first-round pick
Many were perplexed when the Lakers decided to stand pat at the NBA trade deadline rather than make a single move to improve the roster. However, that did not stop them from trying, as LA tried to shop a package containing Talen Horton-Tucker, Kendrick Nunn, and a first-round pick around the NBA, according to The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor. Although no opposing teams bit at the offer at the trade deadline, LA should try again this offseason to see if there are any interested parties.
Given their contracts for the 2022-23 season, packaging a deal with Horton-Tucker ($10.3 million) and Nunn ($5.3 million PO) is LA’s best chance to make a sizeable splash. Their 2027 first-rounder would be a sweetener here, and although it is among the finite assets the Lakers still have in tow, it would be worth parting ways with a pick in 2027 if it helps now. With James and Davis onboard, LA needs to go all-in to win right now, and this particular package could help them to some extent.
While there are several players across the league that could hypothetically be had for this package, one that is interesting is Jerami Grant of the Detroit Pistons. In fact, according to long-time insider Marc Stein (subscription required), the Lakers did offer this deal to the Pistons at the deadline, but they obviously did not accept.
Although they struck out the first time, LA should try again once the offseason begins to try and pry Grant away from Detroit. The 28-year-old could be a third scorer next to James and Davis while also providing some tough defense, which is exactly what LA needs right now.
Grant is just one of the players that could be had with this package, and whether or not they make another run at him, they should look to move this haul for an impact player. It should be noted that Nunn has a player option for next season, but given that he just missed the entirety of last season, he will almost certainly accept.