Lakers are guaranteed to make another trade after Rui Hachimura deal

The Los Angeles Lakers finally made a trade as it was reported on Monday that the team would be trading three second-round picks to the Washington Wizards for Rui Hachimura.

While a trio of second-round picks may initially seem like a lot, Rob Pelinka structured the trade in a genius way to keep Los Angeles from offering too much for the former lottery pick. The Lakers are sending the Chicago Bulls’ 2023 second-round pick as well as their own pick in 2029 and a second-round pick swap in 2028.

Since the 2018 pick is a swap, the Lakers are essentially only sacrificing two second-round picks for Hachimura. Los Angeles was also able to maintain its own second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, which keeps the door open for other moves.

The Los Angeles Lakers can make more trades after the Rui Hachimura trade.

When the price for Rui Hachimura was initially announced, it seemed like a given that Los Angeles had traded both the Bulls’ 2023 second-round pick as well as their own. If that was the case, the Lakers would not have had a reasonable second-round asset to trade in a separate deal.

However, since the Lakers still have their pick for this year (with immediate picks having more value) they can dangle it with an expiring contract like Patrick Beverley’s to get a nice role player in return.

And of course, there is still the potential of the Lakers pulling the trigger on a Russell Westbrook trade. While it seems unlikely because of messaging that is coming from the top, the team is reportedly still somewhat engaged in Westbrook trade talks with the San Antonio Spurs. So it is not completely dead.

Regardless, the way that Rob Pelinka structured this deal with the picks that the team is sending indicates that Los Angeles is not done with Rui Hachimura. This is not the only trade that the team is going to make as it should be the first of several that help rebuild this roster to contend in a wide-open Western Conference this season.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 15: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the second half of a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Crypto.com Arena on January 15, 2023 in Los Angeles, 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 Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

The Athletic proposes unhinged Lakers-Bulls trade for LeBron James

LeBron James could try and demand a trade from the Los Angeles Lakers over the summer. If so, the team must avoid making this proposed Bulls trade.

The follow-up trade may not happen right away, but expect Los Angeles to come over the top with another deal before the trade deadline.

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