Lakers Trade Rumors: Nets, Jazz, Blazers Have Discussed 'Potential Deals' with LA

The Los Angeles Lakers struck out on their biggest free-agent targets, but it does not appear they've given up on landing a difference-maker.

Jovan Buha of The Athletic reported the Lakers have had talks with the Portland Trail Blazers, Brooklyn Nets and Utah Jazz regarding trades in recent days. It's unclear if any deal is imminent, but vice president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka could use a win after a disappointing start to the summer.

The Lakers were aggressive in their pursuit of Klay Thompson, offering him a four-year, $80 million contract, according to B/R's Chris Haynes. Thompson spurned the Lakers' offer in favor of a three-year, $50 million deal with the Dallas Mavericks.

The Lakers also lost out on Jonas Valanciunas (Washington Wizards) and James Harden (Los Angeles Clippers), who are reportedly among the names LeBron James wanted the team to target. Agent Rich Paul has said James would be willing to take a pay cut under the right circumstances to help the Lakers compete for a championship.

"He is prioritizing a roster improvement," Paul told ESPN's Dave McMenamin on Saturday. "He's been adamant about exuding all efforts to improve the roster."

While the Lakers could target DeMar DeRozan in free agency, it's clear they're also exploring the trade market.

The Blazers have a natural roster fit in Jerami Grant, but it's unclear if the Lakers want to take on the remaining four years on his five-year, $160 million contract. They could also look to make a smaller addition by trading for Matisse Thybulle or Robert Williams III.

The Nets have a trio of pieces in Cameron Johnson, Dorian Finney-Smith and Bojan Bogdanovic who could all fit the Lakers' need for spacing on the wing.

The Jazz have a pie-in-the-sky option of Lauri Markkanen, but the Lakers do not have the assets to pull off that caliber of trade. They could target Collin Sexton or Jordan Clarkson, but neither of those veteran guards fills a need or would offer much improvement to the roster.