Lakers eye multi-pick haul by shopping 2032 first-round selection
lakers-shopping-2032-first-round-pick-for-multiple-picks
The Los Angeles Lakers are attempting to convert their lone tradable first-round draft pick in 2032 into a package of two or three earlier selections ahead of the 2026 NBA trade deadline, according to Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo! Sports NBA.
General manager Rob Pelinka currently controls only one future first that can be moved—either in 2031 or 2032—because of previous deals and Stepien Rule restrictions. By flipping the 2032 pick for multiple lesser firsts, the front office hopes to broaden its trade options and attach extra assets to salaries such as Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt and Maxi Kleber in pursuit of a 3-and-D wing, league sources told O’Connor.
The reported strategy mirrors Phoenix’s 2025 move, when the Suns traded their 2031 first to Utah for three picks in 2025, 2027 and 2029. A similar return for Los Angeles would unlock the ability to include its own 2026, 2028 and 2030 first-rounders, creating a larger pool of pieces for deadline negotiations.
Players believed to interest the Lakers include Herb Jones and Trey Murphy of the New Orleans Pelicans, along with Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga. One scenario described by O’Connor envisions Kuminga heading to Los Angeles, with the Warriors then redirecting the acquired pick plus additional assets for another target such as Charlotte’s P.J. Washington or Murphy.
Improving perimeter shooting remains a priority. Head coach JJ Redick has publicly pointed to poor three-point accuracy as a recurring problem this season, increasing the urgency to land a dependable wing who can stretch the floor and defend.
The Lakers have a matter of weeks to finalize any deal before the 2026 deadline arrives, and league observers expect Pelinka to stay active as he searches for ways to bolster a roster aiming to return to title contention.
Source: LakersNation.com
