Contract dispute gifts Lakers a chance to trade for polarizing rising star

The Los Angeles Lakers have been exploring options on the trade market for long enough that this sentence seems destined to generate an obligatory eye roll. Despite the decision to not yet complete a trade, however, the Lakers remain one of the most compelling teams on the open market.

Los Angeles is in the market for depth at center and a general improvement to its talent and consistency in the backcourt, and that makes it a team worth constantly monitoring.

Thankfully for Rob Pelinka and the Lakers, an unexpected opportunity has arisen on the trade front. A team in the midst of an unexpectedly decent start to the 2024-25 season hasn't yet ruled out a complete rebuild, especially with contract decisions looming.

According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, the Brooklyn Nets are willing to field trade offers for just about anyone—including Cam Thomas, whom the franchise was unable to sign to an extension.

"League sources say the rebuilding Nets are expected to be open for business, even with this competitive start (5-9; 20th in net rating) in which first-year coach Jordi Fernandez has made good use of the available talent. Fourth-year gunner Cam Thomas (24.6 points per game) failed to come to terms on an extension and is widely considered to be available, but Brooklyn’s list of possibilities hardly ends there."

That's potentially valuable information to the Lakers, which could be in the market for a player of Thomas' style and caliber due to D'Angelo Russell's pending free agency.

Door has opened for Lakers to explore potential trade for Cam Thomas

Thomas is one of the most intriguing options on the trade market. Still just 23 years of age, he's established himself as one of the most dynamic young scoring threats in the NBA, possessing three-level potential that he's flashed throughout his Brooklyn tenure.

That includes a 2023-24 campaign during which he averaged 22.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2.2 three-point field goals made on .442/.364/.856 shooting.

In 2024-25, Thomas has taken his game to another level. Through 14 appearances, he's averaging 24.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.9 three-point field goals made on .458/.392/.865 shooting, with every number functionally in the realm of sustainability.

Thomas' production has steadily trended upward throughout his NBA career and is now reaching what may be the early stages of meeting the All-Star standard—at just 23.

It's fair to question whether Thomas is a legitimate potential All-Star or just a productive player on a bad team. It's something the Lakers' scouts will need to get to the bottom of, but this is a unique opportunity to swing for a title.

Los Angeles could potentially bring Thomas and his expiring contract in to occupy the sixth man role, within which he could provide invaluable scoring contributions.

It would be a risky endeavor that would depend entirely on the Nets' asking price, but there's no harm in kicking the tires. If Brooklyn is willing to part with Thomas for a reasonable cost, then Los Angeles could explore how well he fits on a team with superstar talent—and potentially re-sign him in 2025.

There's much more to be discussed and diagnosed on this front in the coming months, but Thomas hitting the trade market is a development the Lakers should keep a close eye on in 2024-25.