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Pass or pursue 2 trade targets the Lakers “must absolutely” go after

By Jason Reed

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 23: General manager Rob Pelinka of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on prior to the game against the Miami Heat at FTX Arena on January 23, 2022 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 23: General manager Rob Pelinka of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on prior to the game against the Miami Heat at FTX Arena on January 23, 2022 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. Harrison Barnes

Harrison Barnes is entering the last year of a four-year, $85 million contract that he signed with the Sacramento Kings. Barnes has an $18.3 million cap hit for the 2022-23 season and the Sacramento Kings would likely move him if the price is right to get future assets for an expiring contract.

The Kings did miss their opportunity to trade Barnes for max value, though. If the Kings would have traded Barnes during the 2021 trade deadline then they probably could have gotten a much better return. While his numbers are nearly identical from last season and the year before, some of the shine has worn off on Barnes.

That being said, he is obviously still a valuable rotation player and one that would make the Lakers better. Barnes would give the Lakers a quality third-scoring option who is more than comfortable with scoring off the ball. He can slash to the rim and hit threes and would work both as an off-ball shooter as well as someone who initiates in certain sets.

Barnes has never been the best defender but he certainly is not a hole on the defensive side of the basketball. If the other team is hunting Barnes of all players on the defensive end then the Lakers would be in decent shape.

To get this deal done, the Lakers would definitely have to package both Talen Horton-Tucker and Kendrick Nunn. That might not even be enough, though, as the Kings might even get a first-round pick from another contending team.

If the Lakers can do this deal without attaching a first (even attaching two seconds is fine) then it would be a great move.

Verdict: Pursue (at the right price) 

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