Report: Lakers’ 2031 and 2032 First-Round Picks Viewed as Less Valuable After Luka Doncic Trade
SLUG: lakers-2031-2032-first-round-picks-trade-value-decline
CONTENT:
The Los Angeles Lakers’ lone tradable first-round selections in 2031 and 2032 are no longer drawing the premium interest they once commanded, league sources told The Athletic.
Reporter Dan Woike indicated that front-office executives around the NBA now see those distant picks as less of a “lottery ticket” than they did before Los Angeles acquired Luka Doncic in July and before billionaire Mark Walter took control of the franchise. Walter’s track record with the Los Angeles Dodgers has convinced many decision-makers that the Lakers are unlikely to bottom out, reducing the potential upside of any pick that changes hands.
Limited trade ammunition
Because of previous deals—most notably the trades for Russell Westbrook and Doncic—the only first-round assets the Lakers can currently offer are one of their 2031 or 2032 selections. Any in-season move must be built around that single pick plus players on the existing roster.
At one point, those distant choices were considered more enticing than the 2027 and 2029 first-rounders that helped complete earlier blockbuster trades. The perceived drop in value now complicates efforts to upgrade the roster ahead of the 2025-26 trade deadline.
Competitive record masks defensive concerns
Los Angeles is 17-7 through 24 games, but several defensive metrics suggest the club is overachieving:
- 21st in overall defensive rating this season.
- Fifth-worst in opponent three-point percentage.
- 24th in points allowed off turnovers.
- 23rd in opponent fast-break points.
Since LeBron James returned from injury on Nov. 18, the numbers have slipped further—28th in defensive rating, 30th in opponent three-point shooting and 30th in fast-break points allowed.
James calls for better perimeter play
After Monday’s win, James acknowledged the team’s struggles on the edge of the floor, saying improved containment of dribble penetration and crisper rotations are essential if the Lakers hope to contend this spring.
Whether the organization can acquire outside help may hinge on how rival teams now value that 2031 first-round chip.
Source: Lakers Nation
