NBA insider predicts an underrated Magic starter will be a top Lakers trade target

It seems increasingly likely that the Los Angeles Lakers won't make an offseason move before the start of the 2024–25 season. Not making a big move could hurt them early on. After all, the Lakers' roster is largely the same as the one that finished seventh in the Western Conference last season and lost in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

Instead of making a big move, they appear willing to wait until near the trade deadline to give themselves a shot in the arm. It has worked out in the past with the Lakers starting the 2022-23 season just 2-8 before making a midseason trade and going on an improbable run to the Western Conference Finals.

If the Lakers do opt to wait to try and make a midseason deal, there are a few options that they could target. They have a need for more shooting as well as a frontcourt mate for Anthony Davis. According to Lakers insider Jovan Budha, Los Angeles may pursue Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. as a result.

The Los Angeles Lakers are smart to try and target Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr.

Carter Jr. is one of the more underrated centers in the NBA. In just 25.6 minutes per game last season with the Magic, he averaged 11 points while shooting 52.5% from the field and 37.4% from three on 3.1 attempts, in addition to 6.9 rebounds.

That would make him a terrific trade target for the Lakers, with him being an excellent potential fit next to Davis. His size at 6'11 with a 7'5 wingspan gives him the height and length to be an effective rim protector, and his shooting ability would allow him to pair well with Davis and LeBron James.

Acquiring him would almost certainly cost the Lakers a first-round pick, and possibly D'Angelo Russell, who's shooting and passing, would help the Magic. However, Orlando may not be willing to part with their starting center even though they are relatively deep at the position with Mo Wagner Jonathan Issac and Goga Bitadze. Still, Carter Jr. makes plenty of sense for the Lakers to pursue next season ahead of February's trade deadline.