Sources tell @CBSsports that a complicating factor on whether or not the Lakers acquire an impact player in the next 24 hours is the belief within the organization they could have a chance to acquire Donovan Mitchell this summer. Knicks also could be in play.
NBA Rumors: The Los Angeles Lakers consider their options with Donovan Mitchell
NBAThursday, 08 February 2024 at 10:47
Just a few days ago, many NBA analysts agreed that the Los Angeles Lakers would be attempting some big things before Thursday's trade deadline. However, with just hours to go before the deadline, it now seems like the team might not make substantial changes. There is now a decent chance that they remain quiet until the end of the season.
According to a report from Bill Reiter of CBS Sports, the Los Lakers might not acquire an "impact player" by Thursday. Reiter states that a "complicating factor" on whether or not they make a move is "the belief within the organization they could have a chance to acquire Donovan Mitchell this summer."
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Reiter stated that the team's belief in its ability to land Mitchell in a few months will greatly influence if they approach other players before Thursday's deadline.
He also reported that the New York Knicks, a team long tied to rumors about Mitchell, "could also be in play" to land the star.
No one would blame the Lakers for wanting Mitchell, who is averaging 28.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game on 47.1% from the field and 35.4% from the three-point line. He is having one of the best seasons of his career and has helped the Cavaliers reach the second seed in the Eastern Conference.
The success of the Cavaliers could be a big reasons why the Lakers won't get Mitchell. When the season began, it seemed like his future with the team was in question and it wouldn't have been surprising if he left the team this year. But now that the team is doing quite well, he may have a strong desire to sign a new contract in the summer.
The Lakers could definitely use Mitchell's skills but is it enough to make them sit still during Thursday's deadline?
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