The Los Angeles Lakers are not considering trading either LeBron James or Anthony Davis, team and league sources tell Jovan Buha of The Athletic. The Lakers have struggled since a strong start to the season and are currently 10th in the Western Conference. The Lakers are considered unlikely to change that position unless either player requests a trade.
Davis is making $43.2 million and is having one of the best seasons of his career. James is making $48.7 million and has struggled with his scoring efficiency.
The Lakers are expected to be active on the trade market, but the magnitude of a deal they are willing to make is unclear, sources tell The Athletic. The Lakers held trade talks last season with the Atlanta Hawks on Dejounte Murray, but Austin Reaves became a sticking point. The Lakers continue to have a high bar on Reaves, who is making $13 million and is currently their third option. Dalton Knecht and Max Christie are also considered longer-term core pieces.
The Lakers have four medium-sized contracts in D’Angelo Russell ($18.7 million), Rui Hachiumra ($17.0 million), Gabe Vincent ($11 million) and Jarred Vanderbilt ($10.7 million). The Lakers have two tradable first round picks and can also send out up to three first round swaps in a deal.