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Ranking the Lakers’ minimum contracts by likelihood of being traded

By Jason Reed

TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 07: Juan Toscano-Anderson #95 of the Los Angeles Lakers grabs a loose ball against the Toronto Raptors during the first half of their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on December 7, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Cole Burston/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 07: Juan Toscano-Anderson #95 of the Los Angeles Lakers grabs a loose ball against the Toronto Raptors during the first half of their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on December 7, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Cole Burston/Getty Images) /
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December 15 has come and gone and the Los Angeles Lakers are now free to make a trade to improve the roster. The players that they signed in the offseason are allowed to be traded, allowing Rob Pelinka to explore the trade market.

A Russell Westbrook trade seems very unlikely as instead, a trade centered around Patrick Beverley and Kendrick Nunn is the most likely route. Both players are on expiring contracts and have underperformed for LA this season.

Los Angeles is going to have to include draft capital to convince other teams to take on these underperforming guards. The team also will likely include minimum contracts to either allow itself to take on more salary or to open a roster spot.

But which minimum contracts are more likely to be dealt than others? That is exactly the question we are here to answer, as the Lakers have quite a few options.

Ranking the Lakers’ minimum contracts by likelihood of being traded:

Not a chance: Austin Reaves, Dennis Schroder, Wenyen Gabriel

These three players will almost certainly not be included in a trade for various reasons. Los Angeles would be taking a step backward if they were to trade these players.

Austin Reaves has taken a massive leap in his second season and has become a very valuable member of the rotation. It would be so counterproductive to trade him this season and we can be confident that LA won’t make that level of mistake.

Wenyen Gabriel has also impressed this season as a high-energy guy off the bench. With other big men underperforming for LA this season, the team is not going to have the desire to part ways with Gabriel at the deadline.

Schroder is different than Reaves and Gabriel as he hasn’t been anything overly special. However, with the Lakers trading their other two guards, the team is going to need someone to fill out the rotation and for that reason, keeping Schroder is the most likely outcome.

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