Shams Charania made waves during his appearance on First Take before the Christmas Day matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. He revealed the Lakers are ready to part with three first-round picks in an effort to strengthen their roster around LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The organization is actively monitoring potential sellers like the Portland Trail Blazers, Washington Wizards, Toronto Raptors, and Chicago Bulls.

“The Lakers are in somewhat of a different boat. They feel like they’ve got their top heavy, when you think about LeBron James, Anthony Davis, how do we round out this team around both of those guys?” 

“They’re monitoring the sellers around the NBA, Portland, Washington, Toronto, maybe Chicago and my sources in that Lakers front office tell me they’re open to moving, they’ve got three first round picks they can trade.”

“They’re open to moving that in a potential trade, but they want a player or players that they feel can get into this iteration of this team now with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but can also play for three, four, five more years under JJ Redick as the coach.”

The Lakers’ willingness to trade their valuable draft assets signals their commitment to immediate contention while still planning for the post-LeBron James era. With James turning 40 this season, every roster decision is being scrutinized to ensure his championship window remains open.

Among the teams the Lakers are monitoring, the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards have been linked to potential deals. Bulls star Zach LaVine has been floated as an option, but the Lakers are reportedly reluctant to include rising star Austin Reaves in any trade packages.

Reaves is averaging 17.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists this season and remains a key part of the Lakers’ future plans. His affordable contract, combined with his production, makes him virtually untouchable, even for a player of LaVine’s caliber.

Other potential targets include players from teams in rebuilding phases like the Trail Blazers and Raptors. Names such as Jerami Grant and Anfernee Simons could emerge as options if the Lakers decide to leverage their draft capital.

Despite rumors linking the Lakers to splashy acquisitions, Charania emphasized that the organization is focusing on young players who can play long-term under JJ Redick. Also, the team seeks reinforcements across multiple positions, including a guard, a 3-and-D wing, and a backup center. The front office appears cautious about taking on massive contracts like LaVine’s $43 million per year or mortgaging their future for a single player.

The Lakers currently sit at 17-13, good enough for sixth in the Western Conference, following their thrilling 115-113 win over the Warriors on Christmas Day. However, inconsistencies have plagued the roster, especially against elite teams. By addressing their deficiencies, the Lakers aim to solidify themselves as legitimate title contenders.

General Manager Rob Pelinka is under pressure to deliver, as the franchise faces high expectations with James and Davis still playing at elite levels. While the willingness to move three first-round picks is a bold stance, the front office must ensure that the return justifies the sacrifice, both for the present and the team’s long-term future.

The trade deadline is rapidly approaching, and the Lakers are poised to be one of the most active teams. Their decisions in the coming weeks will shape not only their season but potentially their trajectory for years to come. Whether they use their draft assets to make incremental upgrades or swing for the fences with a blockbuster trade, the Lakers’ moves will be closely watched across the league.