Lakers Eyeing Trade for Michael Porter Jr. Amidst Western Conference Push

The Los Angeles Lakers are hoping to contend in the loaded Western Conference this season, despite the mounting flaws exposing their limited chances of playoff success. Luka Doncic and LeBron James have been playing superb basketball during Austin Reaves’ time out with an injury, but the team still loses games to lesser teams. Matt Moore reported that the Lakers could be interested in two potential Brooklyn Nets players ahead of the trade deadline: “Have heard about a lot of talks between the Lakers and Nets the past two years and they did the DFS trade already so there’s a relationship. Claxton would be a very good get, but there’s also the possibility of their going in for MPJ.” Both Michael Porter and Nicolas Claxton could be potential trade targets for the Lakers. Claxton would be a more moderate trade to keep future assets, but they’d be able to add another center considered better than current starter DeAndre Ayton. However, Porter is the bigger asset and arguably the most exciting name on the trade market this season due to his improved play. Lakers fans would be excited to add a difference maker to the lineup. Why Michael Porter Would Help Lakers Porter is having a breakout season with the Nets after he thrived as a role player for the Denver Nuggets throughout his NBA career. This season is the first time that Porter had the chance to prove he can be an elite scorer in the NBA. Porter is currently averaging 25.7 points and has a realistic shot at making the All-Star Team. The Lakers badly need a wing player that can contribute to multiple areas of the team’s needs. Porter could both take a secondary role waiting for his star teammates to get him open shots and have a more active role when the team is dealing with injuries. Improvements in facilitating and leadership show that Porter offers a lot more than he did in Denver. The Lakers would benefit from having a tall athletic player to change the dynamic and provide more depth than they currently have. Few big names are on the trade block this season to see Porter’s value increase. Lakers Trade Package For Michael Porter The Lakers are reportedly not looking to trade Reaves at the trade deadline and prefer to sign him to a long-term deal in the offseason. Brooklyn would likely accept Reaves as their new franchise player without any draft picks, but the Lakers will have to get creative if they’re keeping him. One or two future first round draft picks in the 2030s would be the Nets’ ideal desire. Recent reports indicate they demand at least one unprotected pick in any trades for Porter or Claxton. Los Angeles would have to trade multiple players to make the salaries match.