The Los Angeles Lakers’ tradeable first-round pick in either 2031 or 2032 is now seen as less valuable following the Luka Doncic trade and since Mark Walter acquired the franchise, sources told Dan Woike of The Athletic.
The thinking is that Walter’s stability would make the pick more likely to be later in the first round. The Lakers already owe their top-4 protected 2027 first rounder to the Utah Jazz and their 2029 first rounder unprotected to the Dallas Mavericks.
The Lakers have been linked with a move for Herb Jones by rival front offices. The Pelicans are reportedly not interested in dealing Jones, who cannot be traded until January 14 following his offseason extension.
Shortly after the Doncic trade, the Lakers agreed to send a 2030 swap and their 2031 first rounder unprotected to the Charlotte Hornets for Mark Williams. The trade was rescinded by the Lakers when they failed Williams’ physical.