NBA free agency hasn’t been very kind to the Los Angeles Lakers. Klay Thompson and DeMar DeRozan are just two of the high-profile names that the Lakers reportedly attempted to recruit, and LA struck out on both stars.
This has the front office now turning its attention to the trade market, which has brought about a potential big-man addition to the roster.
Los Angeles Lakers Linked to Magic’s Wendell Carter Jr.
According to a report by NBACentral on X, formerly Twitter, Orlando Magic center/forward Wendell Carter Jr. is apparently on LA’s radar right now:
The Lakers are showing interest in Wendell Carter Jr., per @SeanDeveney pic.twitter.com/q21FnQlhqw
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 11, 2024
This is not the first time the Lakers have been linked to the former No. 7 overall pick, but previous reports indicated that the Magic have not made their starting center available on the trade market. At this point, it is unclear if Orlando has changed its stance on the Carter front.
Last season, Carter averaged 11.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 25.6 minutes per game for the Magic. The 25-year-old still has two seasons left on his current deal which will allow him to pocket $22.8 million over the next couple of years.
The Lakers have maintained their willingness to part ways with their most valuable trade assets — a couple of future first-round picks — but it remains to be seen if they are going to include the same in a potential trade package for a player like Carter.
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