Lakers To Make More Big Moves Predicts Leading NBA Trainer
Renowned NBA skills trainer Drew Hanlen shared a bold prediction about the Los Angeles Lakers following their blockbuster trade for Luka Dončić.
“They’ve got some [pieces] and again I think that it’s going to be the most attractive destination this summer for free agents,” Hanlen said on “The Kevin O’Connor Show” podcast. “There’s going to be a lot of talking about, ‘Hey just come here, get underpaid for a year and then you’ll get overpaid the following year’ and so I think we’ll see the Lakers make a big splash in the offseason and I think have a more of a chance to be a real contender next year.”
According to Spotrac, the Lakers could free up as much as $31.3 million in cap space this summer if they decline all other options, cap holds, and exceptions.
Several expiring contracts—Cam Reddish, Jaxson Hayes, Alex Len, and Markieff Morris—will come off the books, and player options for LeBron James and Dorian Finney-Smith could also be addressed.
Additionally, the Lakers have their 2031 first-round pick and four pick swaps available for potential trades.
Hanlen fires back at LeBron-Luka doubters
Hanlen, who trains NBA stars like Joel Embiid, Jayson Tatum, Bradley Beal, Zach LaVine, and RJ Barrett, referred to Dončić as a “cheat code.” The 25-year-old Slovenian has proven he can carry an underdog team deep into the playoffs, as he demonstrated during his time with the Dallas Mavericks.
Hanlen addressed concerns about the James-Dončić duo, acknowledging that their partnership is still a work in progress due to two key factors.
“The bigs and time,” Hanlen explained. “What I mean by time is that even in Miami, when they had their Big Three, it took them a year to get over that hump and reach the Finals. Sometimes, it just takes time.”
He also dismissed critics who argue that the pairing won’t work because both players are ball-dominant.
“I was so surprised by how many people on social media were like, ‘Well, how is it going to work? They both need the ball in their hands,’” Hanlen said. “I’m like, dude, these are two of the smartest basketball players to ever play the game.”
Luka's long-term impact
Hanlen believes Dončić will eventually take over the Lakers’ offense as he regains full health, which could extend LeBron James’ career.
“That’s one of the most underrated parts of this pairing—I think it will extend LeBron’s career,” Hanlen said. “I don’t work with LeBron, so I’m not in his inner circle, but the general sentiment is that once he can’t average 20 points a game, he’s done. LeBron respects the game too much to hang on just for the sake of it. But with Luka handling much of the regular-season load, LeBron can pace himself for the postseason. This could add another year or two to his career.”
In summary, Hanlen is optimistic about the Lakers’ future, emphasizing the potential of the James-Dončić duo and the team’s ability to attract top talent in the upcoming offseason.
Image - Jayne Kamin-Oncea - Imagn
