NBA Rumors: The Only 2 Players For Which Lakers Would Have Traded Two 1st-Rounders

All summer long, we heard rumors that the Los Angeles Lakers were not interested in trading both of their available first-round picks (2027 and 2029) in a deal. There were a number of trade scenarios that were raised that the Lakers turned down.

But according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, appearing on Brian Windhorst's Hoop Collective podcast, there are two players, and two players only, that Rob Pelinka would have dealt those two picks for. 

Listen, had the Lakers been able to acquire Kyrie Irving or the Lakers been able to acquire Donovan Mitchell... the Lakers were willing and able to move both those picks. 

The Lakers were prepared to include their 2027 and 2029 first-round picks in a deal for Kyrie Irving or Donovan Mitchell, per @mcten on Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective Podcast pic.twitter.com/77FKVu9xlh

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 27, 2022

But, says McMenamin, the deals that were available to them, the Lakers didn't feel contained a 'difference-maker' player like either Irving or Mitchell. 

He goes on to confirm, however, that Pelinka will be open to trading those picks going forward if the right deal comes along. And it's all because of the fact that  LeBron James committed to the team with a 2-year extension. "There is some understanding between LeBron's camp and the Lakers that they will do whatever they can to go all in over these next three years to build a championship contender," said McMenamin. And that means trading those picks for the right return.

"There were so many trades available to them this summer that they didn't pull the trigger (on)... (But) you're better to make moves when they're available, than hope that a better deal will come down the pike," added McMenamin.

One of the deals that was on the table, confirms McMenamin, was the long-rumored Myles Turner/Buddy Hield package from the Indiana Pacers in return for Russell Westbrook and those two first-round picks. 

But for now, it appears they're willing to give Russ another chance with new coach Darvin Ham. And if it doesn't work out, they'll have his expiring $47M to play with to make a splash in free agency next summer—plus the two picks to swing a trade. 

Photos: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports, Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports