LA Lakers Rumors: Team not willing to give up more than a first-rounder for Bojan Bogdanovic
The LA Lakers have long since shown an interest in acquiring Bojan Bogdanovic from the Detroit Pistons, although trade negotiations had been halted due to talks surrounding draft picks. However, recent reports suggest that the Lakers are willing to include a single first-round pick for Bogdanovic.
The Pistons' sharpshooter has been subject to much interest from around the league. Considering his offensive skillset, the 33-year-old Croatian national has rightfully garnered the attention of teams looking to improve their overall roster strength.
The Miami Heat, the Phoenix Suns and the LA Lakers have been among the many teams interested in acquiring his services. The Purple and Gold, in particular, have been closely linked to the Pistons forward.
The Lakers had a chance to land Bojan Bogdanovic earlier in the offseason. While Utah Jazz was in the middle of blowing things up and trading its veterans, the Lakeshow had an opportunity to get several key veterans via a blockbuster trade. However, this didn't fall through.
As things stand, the Lakers continue their pursuit of Bogdanovic. Unfortunately, mention of draft picks has usually been a bit of an inhibitor for the Lakers to make deals work.
The Lakers have often been asked to leverage their two remaining first-rounders for the decade in any trade talks. However, with Bojan Bogdanovic in question, recent reports suggest that the Purple and Gold are only willing to part with one first-round pick.
As per The Athletic's Jovan Buha:
"Detroit’s Bojan Bogdanović continues to be the name most often tied to the Lakers in league circles, but the Pistons are looking for an unprotected first-round pick, at a minimum, in a potential trade, according to league sources."
"The Lakers’ preference is to only give up a lottery-protected first for the [soon-to-be] 34-year-old Bogdanović, though that could change when up against the trade-deadline clock."
Report: Lakers only willing to give up one lottery-protected first-round pick for Bojan Bogdanovic lakersdaily.com/report-lakers-…
Most reports from the Pistons' side suggested that the team would prefer not to trade their prized leading scorer. However, they could be tempted to make the trade work for a first-round pick or a promising young player.
In light of this, the LA Lakers have some avenues to improve their roster. Having already made a splash by trading for Rui Hachimura, the Purple and Gold may still be in the process of making more moves.
The LA Lakers should pursue Bojan Bogdanovic
The LA Lakers are far from being in a favorable position this season. Although they came away with an exciting win against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday, they remain in 12th place in the West.
The Lakers have started the process of improving their roster ahead of the February 9 trade deadline. Acquiring Rui Hachimura from the Washington Wizards certainly gives them some flexibility in the forward position. But it does little to nothing to answer their woes associated with shooting.
In this regard, the pursuit of Bojan Bogdanovic could be fruitful for the LA Lakers. Although the forward offers very little on the defensive end, he is a lethal three-point shooter. He currently averages 21.5 points per game while shooting 42.5 percent from deep.
With Anthony Davis also on track to return from injury soon, the Purple and Gold may be able to conjure a fairly competent roster if they make the right moves.