Lakers have to be buyers at the deadline: 3 potential moves to make

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 21: Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka looks on before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on December 21, 2022 in Sacramento, California. 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 21: Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka looks on before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on December 21, 2022 in Sacramento, California. 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

Lakers moderate move: Trading for Gary Harris

The Orlando Magic are a team people will be watching around the trade deadline because they have solid role players that don’t really fit their timeline with the emergence of rookie phenom Paolo Banchero. Guys like Gary Harris and Terrence Ross all come to mind as veterans who could contribute to playoff teams that probably are not worth keeping around for a rebuild.

A player like Mo Bamba who has underachieved during his time in the Magic Kingdom could likely be available to take a flyer on as well. He is a former lottery pick that could pair well alongside Anthony Davis to help take some of the interior grunt work off his plate.

The Lakers’ 2027 and 2029 first-round picks are valuable assets, so a deal like this one seems feasible for a team looking for future draft picks. If the Lakers are a bad team once LeBron retires that selection could be in the lottery right when Paolo should be an All-Star.

Orlando has already built itself a talented young core of players that could be set to compete around the time that pick comes around, so this could be a rare win-win situation for both franchises.

Both Harris and Ross would help the Lakers on both ends of the floor because they can both hit an open 3-pointer and play decent defense. If the Lakers did make this deal, they would have to trade Westbrook, Kendrick Nunn, Patrick Beverley, or a combination of those guys to get help at the small forward position because Harris and Ross would flood an already crowded backcourt in Los Angeles.