Lakers trade rumors: LeBron James-led team touted to alter stance on $17M wing shooting 41.1$% from 3

LA Lakers star LeBron James is one of the smartest players in the NBA, both on the court and on the business side of things. He and co-star Anthony Davis have both expressed a desire for the Los Angeles front office to find a way to improve the roster via trade in order to help them climb the standings in the Western Conference, according to ESPN.

One of the Lakers most likely to be moved in their bid to achieve that is Rui Hachimura. According to Spotrac, Hachimura's $17 million contract makes him a player who must be involved if the Lakers want to land a bigger name on the trade market.

It seems obvious that the team won't move James, Davis or Austin Reaves. Hachimura is the next most attractive name that the team can move, as well as the biggest contract on the team outside of their two superstars.

Rui Hachimura's name has been a constant in trade talks since the beginning of the 2023 season. He is having another high-efficiency season, shooting 49.1% from the field and 41.1% from three in 36 games this season, making him an attractive player for a team looking for 3-and-D wings at the deadline.

Rui Hachimura is likely to be on the move in the coming weeks and he will almost assuredly be paired with the Laker's 2029 and 2031 first-round draft picks in a trade.

The team has already made a move, sending D'Angelo Russell and Maxwell Lewis to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton. Despite being a team under constant media scrutiny, the Lakers and their fans have high standards for themselves that they are falling short of at 23-18.

Which big names could the Lakers trade Rui Hachimura for this season?

The LA Lakers have been attached to many of the bigger names on the market this season, trending more towards three-team deals that would help them trade for big names despite a lack of resources.

If they are to land someone like Jimmy Butler, for example, they and the Miami Heat would need to include a third team to allocate their resources and stay under the second apron.

Because of their financial situation, as well as the fact that the front office preparing for life without LeBron James, the franchise is in a tricky position. Some of the more realistic players LA could pursue and trade for include Robert Williams, Walker Kessler and Kyle Kuzma.

Another veteran the team is reportedly interested in is Jonas Valančiūnas, a center they had targeted in free agency who now plays for Washington.