Another move could be on the horizon for the Los Angeles Lakers this summer.
The franchise is far from perfect despite making much-needed adjustments to its roster to begin the offseason.
If Los Angeles wants to roll the dice, they could trade a disappointing point guard to the Indiana Pacers for a young forward who’s dangerously close to reaching bust status in the big leagues.
“They (Lakers) get a former lottery pick (Jarece Walker in a hypothetical three-team trade sending Maxi Kleber to the Atlanta Hawks, as well as Gabe Vincent and an unprotected 2028 first-round pick to the Pacers) who would be able to help them in the frontcourt,” Sports Illustrated's Jackson Caudell and Rohan Raman wrote Tuesday.
“Walker has struggled to stay healthy so far with the Pacers, but his talent is undeniable. Walker has played a small role during his first two years of the season, but could be ready for a breakout on the right team.”
“He is a 40.4% career three-point shooter and brings a lot of energy. They move off of a negative contract and get someone who can help them now and into the future.”
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The Washington Wizards selected Walker with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, but later traded the Houston product to the Pacers.
For a player expected to make a more significant impact than the average young player early on in his career, Walker hasn’t disappointed thus far.
Although the 21-year-old has been a consistent long-range threat to begin his NBA journey, his overall production (5.4 points and 2.7 rebounds per game through two seasons while playing less than 20 minutes nightly) suggests he isn’t ready for primetime.
Still, with Vincent performing well below his potential in a Lakers uniform as an experienced 29-year-old veteran, Walker could be perceived as a high-risk, high-reward asset for Los Angeles.
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