Small forward: Bojan Bogdanovic, Detroit Pistons
The Los Angeles Lakers and Detroit Pistons might be having a lot of trade talks in the coming weeks. Not only do the Pistons have a great trade target in Alec Burks but they have one of the best role-playing small forwards in Bojan Bogdanovic.
Bogdanovic would give Los Angeles a legitimate third scorer behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis that would help the floor spacing immensely. His defense may not be great but the offensive impact that Bogdanovic would have would be massive.
Bogdanovic was a trade target for LA in the offseason when he was a member of the Utah Jazz and reportedly remains a top target for Rob Pelinka’s front office.
Lakers trade rumors: Will LA match the price for Bojan Bogdanovic?
Once again, the Pistons would be foolish to not trade Bogdanovic at the deadline. With two more years under contract after the 2022-23 season, his value will never be higher than it is now. The Pistons can maximize their return by trading him now.
That being said, there is more of a debate about whether or not the Lakers would do this. All signs are pointing to this costing a first-round pick and every report indicates that ownership does not want to sell off the future this season.
Perhaps there is a path in which the Lakers can flip Russell Westbrook to Detroit for Bogdanovic, Burks and someone like Nerlens Noel. After all, the Lakers were reportedly in talks with Detroit for Noel. If Los Angeles was going to trade a pick (or two) it would be in a bigger trade like this.