Top Lakers trade target extinguishes hope of a potential offseason move to L.A.

The Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to a wide array of All-Star players during the 2024 NBA offseason. The common theme seems to be interest in a top-tier guard, with players such as Donovan Mitchell and Trae Young headlining the rumor mill.

Of the players linked to the Lakers, however, few have been as intriguing as Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Darius Garland—who just put an end to the speculation.

Mitchell recently signed an extension with the Cavaliers, thus sending the Garland to the Lakers trade scenarios into second gear. That was due in no small part to a May 15 report by Shams Charania, Joe Vardon, and Jason Lloyd of The Athletic, which stated that Garland would pursue a trade if Mitchell re-signed.

In a recent interview with Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, Garland addressed that rumor head-on, stating plainly: "I don't want to be traded." For those ready to point back to the previous report, Garland doubled down with just four words: "Those are just rumors."

Just like that, the flames have been extinguished and Garland has been all but entirely removed from the Lakers' trade radar.

Darius Garland is no longer a trade option for the Lakers

Garland, 24, is an attractive potential trade option for any team that's in the market for an upgrade at point guard. Since 2021-22, he's averaged 20.6 points, 7.7 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2.4 three-point field goals made per game on .458/.389/.866 shooting.

In the year prior to Mitchell's arrival in Cleveland, Garland led the Cavaliers to a 22-win improvement and a 44-38 overall record.

An All-Star that season, Garland has proven to be one of the most effective and dynamic playmakers in the NBA. He has clear three-level scoring potential, with his proficiency as a shooter and highlight-worthy dribble penetration skills keeping defenders on their heels.

Garland's aggressive approach to attacking the basket opens up countless opportunities for Cleveland, with his team-high 15.6 drives per game ranking seventh in the NBA overall.

Unfortunately for the Lakers, they'll have to go back to the proverbial drawing board as far as potential trades are concerned. Garland seems enthusiastic about what new head coach Kenny Atkinson can bring to the table and wants to stick around to see what the team can accomplish.

Cleveland is already among the best teams in the NBA, having won 99 games over the past two seasons and reaching the second round in 2023-24, and Atkinson could raise the ceiling.

As for Los Angeles, D'Angelo Russell continues to be the projected starting point guard for the 2024-25 season. There are certainly worse options than one of just four players to average at least 18.0 points, 6.0 assists, and 3.0 three-point field goals made per game in 2023-24.

Garland was an interesting player to consider as a potential trade target, but all signs point toward the Lakers needing to look elsewhere if they're hoping to upgrade from Russell.