Lakers Trade Rumors: LA Has Told Teams No Player in Young Core Is Untouchable

The Los Angeles Lakers aren't being particular as far as potential ways to upgrade their roster this offseason. 

Per Tania Ganguli of the Los Angeles Times, no player is considered off-limits in potential trade discussions with teams, though they aren't actively shopping anyone on the roster: 

"While they like their young core and would prefer to keep those players growing together, they have told teams no player is untouchable in trades, according to multiple sources who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of trade and free-agent negotiations.

"To be clear, the Lakers are not actively shopping any of their players. They are willing to listen to offers and could move one of them — even a member of the talented young cadre of Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram or Josh Hart — if an offer blows them away."

Los Angeles had a terrific draft last year with Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma joining a young core that also includes Brandon Ingram and Julius Randle. All four players are 23 years old or younger. Kuzma was technically drafted by the Nets 27th overall and traded to the Lakers on draft night. 

The Lakers' first draft pick in 2018 isn't until No. 25 overall because their selection, which wound up being the No. 10 pick, went to the Philadelphia 76ers in a trade. 

The front office is projected to have $61.9 million in cap space for free agency, per Spotrac. Paul George, who is from the Los Angeles area and can opt out of his deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder, has been linked to the Lakers dating back to the 2016-17 season. 

The Lakers are in a tricky spot this summer. Their 35-47 record last season was their best since the 2012-13 campaign, but it still left them 12 games out of a playoff spot in the Western Conference. Bold moves will be necessary for them to get back in postseason contention next year.