Woj: Lakers Expected to Wait Until After Thanksgiving to Explore Trade Market

The Los Angeles Lakers could be patient on the trade market, waiting until about 20 games into the season to look for deals.

I'm told to expect Rob Pelinka and the Lakers to wait until after Thanksgiving, 20 games into the season, and see what other teams do, who doesn't start off well, and who decides that they may start to look to unload players.

Victor Wembanyama is a can't miss prospect in the 2023 NBA draft, which could encourage more teams to tank instead of battling for the play-in tournament.

There will be more sellers than buyers this year, which will cause prices to fall.

During the off-season, the Lakers were involved in trade talks with the Oklahoma City Thunder. According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, Sam Amick and Jovan Buha, the team had several discussions with the Indiana Pacers about a potential deal for Myles Turner and/or Buddy Hield.

For teams with an eye towards the future that are looking to unload players signed to long-term deals, the expiring contract of Westbrook could be an asset.

The Lakers' first-round picks in 2029 and 27 could be used as trade bait.

Los Angeles is aiming to return to contention in 2022-23 and will attempt to add additional pieces that will bring the team closer to a title.