{"id":162764,"date":"2026-03-11T16:07:19","date_gmt":"2026-03-11T16:07:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=162764"},"modified":"2026-03-11T16:07:19","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T16:07:19","slug":"%f0%9f%9a%a8-league-buzz-los-angeles-lakers-could-target-212-million-defensive-specialist-and-3-point-star-in-a-bold-offseason-trade-move","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=162764","title":{"rendered":"\ud83d\udea8 League Buzz: Los Angeles Lakers Could Target $212 Million Defensive Specialist and 3-Point Star in a Bold Offseason Trade Move"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Los Angeles Lakers Could Target OG Anunoby in Potential Blockbuster Offseason Scenario<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Lakers<\/p>\n

The Los Angeles Lakers<\/span><\/span> may once again be active in the trade market this offseason, and a new analysis suggests the franchise could pursue one of the NBA\u2019s most coveted two-way wings: OG Anunoby<\/span><\/span>. While the possibility remains complicated, the scenario highlights how aggressively the Lakers could look to upgrade their roster ahead of the next NBA season.<\/p>\n

In a recent offseason preview published by Bleacher Report<\/span><\/span>, NBA analyst Dan Favale<\/span><\/span> identified Anunoby as one of the most intriguing potential trade targets for Los Angeles. According to Favale, the Lakers could enter the picture as a third team in a blockbuster deal involving the New York Knicks<\/span><\/span> and the Milwaukee Bucks<\/span><\/span> if circumstances around superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo<\/span><\/span> change.<\/p>\n

Although such a deal remains speculative, the possibility reflects the Lakers\u2019 continued search for an elite two-way wing who can defend multiple positions while contributing offensively from the perimeter<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Lakers Monitoring Knicks and Giannis Antetokounmpo Situation<\/h2>\n

\"$212<\/p>\n

Favale\u2019s analysis centers on a potential domino effect that could begin if Antetokounmpo\u2019s long-rumored interest in playing for the Knicks resurfaces.<\/p>\n

The two-time NBA MVP has been loosely linked to New York in past discussions, and if the Knicks were to pursue a blockbuster deal for Antetokounmpo, roster changes would almost certainly follow. That could potentially make Anunoby available in a larger multi-team trade.<\/p>\n

Favale explained that the Lakers should keep a close eye on the situation.<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cOG Anunoby isn\u2019t going anywhere unless the New York Knicks luck into Giannis Antetokounmpo,\u201d Favale wrote. \u201cKnowing the two-time MVP showed exclusive interest in the Big Apple last summer, the Lakers should hold out hope for the chance to swoop in as a third-party facilitator who sends draft equity the Milwaukee Bucks\u2019 way.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

In this scenario, Los Angeles could act as a trade facilitator<\/strong>, helping balance salaries and assets while ultimately acquiring Anunoby.<\/p>\n

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Financial Flexibility Could Help Lakers Complete a Deal<\/h2>\n

One of the key factors that could make such a trade possible is the Lakers\u2019 potential salary structure.<\/p>\n

According to Favale, the team may have enough contracts available to match Anunoby\u2019s salary without sacrificing all of its financial flexibility. Several players could theoretically be used as part of a larger deal, including:<\/p>\n

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    Jake LaRavia<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Deandre Ayton<\/span><\/span> (player option)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Marcus Smart<\/span><\/span> (player option)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Favale noted that combining those contracts could allow Los Angeles to complete a salary-balanced trade<\/strong> while still maintaining future cap flexibility.<\/p>\n

    Anunoby is currently entering the third year of the five-year, $212.5 million contract<\/strong> he signed with the Knicks in 2024. He is scheduled to earn $42.5 million next season<\/strong>, meaning any team attempting to acquire him would need to assemble significant financial assets.<\/p>\n

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    Lakers Continue Search for a True Two-Way Wing<\/h2>\n

    \"$212<\/p>\n

    The Lakers\u2019 reported interest in Anunoby highlights one of the most noticeable weaknesses on their roster: a versatile perimeter defender who can guard elite scorers while providing reliable outside shooting<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    Modern NBA teams often rely on wings capable of switching across multiple defensive assignments. For Los Angeles, finding that type of player has been a priority as they attempt to build a balanced roster around their offensive stars.<\/p>\n

    During the 2025 NBA Draft<\/strong>, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka<\/span><\/span> made a notable effort to address that need by targeting forward Adou Thiero<\/span><\/span>.<\/p>\n

    Pelinka executed two aggressive draft-night trades to move nearly 20 spots up the board<\/strong>, jumping from pick No. 55 to No. 36 overall to secure Thiero.<\/p>\n

    After the draft, Pelinka explained the reasoning behind the move.<\/p>\n

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    \u201cWe were super aggressive to begin the day knowing that we didn\u2019t have a first-round pick,\u201d Pelinka told Spectrum SportsNet. \u201cAdou was projected by our scouts as a first-round talent, and we were able to turn 55, which is a late second-round pick, into a high second-round pick to select a player we had projected in the first round.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    The move underscored the Lakers\u2019 desire to develop a long, athletic defender capable of impacting both ends of the floor<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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    Rob Pelinka Compared Thiero\u2019s Role to OG Anunoby<\/h2>\n

    Interestingly, Pelinka even referenced Anunoby when describing the type of player the Lakers hope Thiero could eventually become.<\/p>\n

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    \u201cObviously, OG is an incredible player who\u2019s done so much in the league,\u201d Pelinka said. \u201cI don\u2019t want to put pressure on anyone to become someone else, but that archetype is definitely it.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    That comparison highlights how highly Anunoby is regarded across the NBA.<\/p>\n

    While the Lakers hope Thiero develops into that mold, Anunoby already represents one of the league\u2019s most proven two-way wings<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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    Why OG Anunoby Remains One of the NBA\u2019s Best 3-and-D Players<\/h2>\n

    At 28 years old, Anunoby has firmly established himself as one of the NBA\u2019s premier \u201c3-and-D\u201d players \u2014 a term used to describe athletes who excel at both perimeter defense and three-point shooting<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    This season, the Knicks forward is averaging:<\/p>\n

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      16.5 points per game<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      5.3 rebounds<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      2.2 assists<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      1.7 steals<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      He is also shooting 36.7% from three-point range<\/strong>, while maintaining a career average of 37.4% from deep<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

      Defensively, Anunoby consistently ranks among the league leaders in steals and is widely respected for his ability to guard multiple positions<\/strong>, from quick guards to physical forwards.<\/p>\n

      Those skills have made him one of the most valuable role players in today\u2019s NBA.<\/p>\n

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      Perfect Fit for Lakers\u2019 Offensive Stars<\/h2>\n

      Anunoby\u2019s skill set would be particularly valuable for a Lakers team built around high-usage offensive creators like Luka Don\u010di\u0107<\/span><\/span> and Austin Reaves<\/span><\/span>.<\/p>\n

      Both players thrive with the ball in their hands, generating offense through playmaking and scoring. However, lineups built around offensive creators often require strong defensive wings to balance the roster<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

      A player like Anunoby could help the Lakers:<\/p>\n

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        Defend the opposing team\u2019s best perimeter scorer<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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        Space the floor with consistent three-point shooting<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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        Add versatility to switching defensive schemes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        His presence could significantly improve Los Angeles\u2019 defensive flexibility.<\/p>\n

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        Knicks Likely Reluctant to Move Anunoby<\/h2>\n

        Despite the intriguing trade scenario, the reality is that the Knicks consider Anunoby a core piece of their defensive identity<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

        Since joining the team, he has become a cornerstone of New York\u2019s defensive system and one of their most reliable perimeter stoppers.<\/p>\n

        As a result, the Knicks would likely only consider moving him in the event of a major roster overhaul<\/strong>, such as a blockbuster deal to acquire Antetokounmpo.<\/p>\n

        Without that type of seismic move, New York would almost certainly prefer to keep Anunoby as part of its long-term plans.<\/p>\n

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        Lakers Could Still Explore Aggressive Offseason Moves<\/h2>\n

        Even if a trade for Anunoby never materializes, Favale\u2019s analysis highlights an important point: the Lakers could once again be aggressive in the trade market this summer<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

        The franchise has consistently looked for ways to improve its roster around its core stars, and the front office is unlikely to remain passive during the offseason.<\/p>\n

        If the right opportunity emerges \u2014 particularly in a complex multi-team deal \u2014 the Lakers could once again find themselves pursuing the exact type of player Pelinka described on draft night.<\/p>\n

        An elite, versatile two-way wing.<\/p>\n

        And few players in the NBA fit that description better than OG Anunoby.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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        <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        Los Angeles Lakers Could Target OG Anunoby in Potential Blockbuster Offseason Scenario The Los Angeles Lakers may once again be active in the trade market this offseason,… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":162765,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-162764","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nba"],"yoast_head":"\n\ud83d\udea8 League Buzz: Los Angeles Lakers Could Target $212 Million Defensive Specialist and 3-Point Star in a Bold Offseason Trade Move - NEWS USA<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=162764\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"\ud83d\udea8 League Buzz: Los Angeles Lakers Could Target $212 Million Defensive Specialist and 3-Point Star in a Bold Offseason Trade Move - 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