It wouldn't be a normal trade season if the Los Angeles Lakers didn’t have several trade targets on their radar days before the deadline.
On Wednesday, a new asset emerged as a legitimate suitor for the Lakers, as HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported that the 17-time NBA champions are battling with the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics for a 21-year-old New Orleans Pelicans center.
“New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi has drawn significant trade interest, including the (Indiana) Pacers, (Atlanta) Hawks, Celtics, Knicks, (Chicago) Bulls, Lakers, and (Toronto) Raptors as suitors,” Scotto wrote.
Missi is still a bit rough around the edges on the offensive end. The Baylor product doesn’t have the polished low-post skill set that other centers around the league possess at this time.
However, Missi’s physical tools, combined with his enticing rim-running, lob threat, and shot-blocking ability, not only earned him All-Rookie second-team honors last season but also helped him attract attention from multiple playoff/championship contenders on the trade market.
The former first-round pick is averaging 5.8 points per game, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game with the Pelicans this season while shooting 54.3% from the field in 41 outings.
Although Missi isn’t the Lakers’ top trade target by any means, he’s an asset that could serve as a serviceable backup plan if the initial plans fall through.
More NBA: Lakers linked to trade involving Dalton Knecht, $90 million Cavaliers forward