There is a major event on the NBA schedule for December 15. Teams have until December 15 to make trades involving free agents they signed during the summer. This date provides various options for future roster movements for a team like the Los Angeles Lakers.
Several free agents were signed by the Lakers as a consequence of their busy summer of roster overhaul. The Los Angeles Lakers are in a position to move some of their most valuable assets, but they shouldn’t feel pressured to do so just yet.
On December 15, which Lakers players will be available for trade?
As of December 15, the Lakers have six players available for official trades. Over the summer, the Lakers re-signed all of these players. There is one returning player and five new faces who just signed in Los Angeles.
Russell, D’Angelo Gabe Vincent, Prince of Tares
Christian Wood
Hayes, Jaxson
Cam Gowdy
The player on this list with the highest probability of being dealt is D’Angelo Russell. Supposedly, the Lakers are in the midst of Russell’s trade negotiations even before the deadline of December 15th. Russell isn’t the most transferable player because to his contract and the fact that he fits in with teams that are looking for point guards.
After Russell, there is a level below. The members of that group include Hayes, Wood, Prince, and Vincent. No player worth their salt should commit to a long-term lease on their Los Angeles home since salary considerations could force a trade. Although they will not be sold outright, they may be relocated.
One player who should be considered safe is Cam Reddish. Despite signing a minimum contract, Reddish has made a huge impact for the purple and gold this season. The Lakers should not trade for him unless they are involved in a much larger deal.
Can you tell me which Lakers players are still not available for trade?
When thinking about trade participants, December 15 is just one of several key dates. Two Lakers players are directly affected by another key date—January 15.
The trade deadline for restricted free agents Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura is January 15 due to their re-signing with Bird Rights. Since Reaves is not a trade candidate, this is of major importance to Hachimura (and Russell).
The most talked-about possible deal this season has been a Hachimura/Russell package. Although Hachimura will also be tradeable in January, Russell will probably not be moved until then, even if he is free to be dealt as of December 15.
The trade restrictions that Jarred Vanderbilt was subject to are a result of the extension he signed prior to the 2023-24 season. Nevertheless, Vanderbilt will remain untradeable during the 2024 season due to his restriction, which does not expire until after the trade deadline.