Lakers predicted to trade Bronny James for $36M Walker Kessler backup in 3-team monster deal

The Los Angeles Lakers have been pretty active this summer, especially when it comes to reshaping the roster for the future. However, the Lakers have added enough players that they will soon have to make some difficult roster decisions.

Los Angeles wants to contend for a championship, but currently sits one player over the roster limit. There are three players who could potentially be waived to make room.

“Clearly, the Lakers need to dump someone, and I think it's going to be one of three players," Lakers insider Jovan Buha said. "It's going to either be Dalton Knecht, Jaden Hardy, or Bronny James."

The Lakers could easily trade someone to open up a roster spot, but teams may not be willing to take on the contracts Los Angeles wants to move. The team is also in major need of a backup center and has been looking at several options.

“The Lakers are still monitoring the market for big men, team sources told The Athletic," The Athletic's Dan Woike reported. "They traded for Walker Kessler and signed Kevon Looney to play center, and Mamukelashvili can play the position, too. The team could address the position either by trade or signing, like with potentially adding Thybulle. The roster is currently at full capacity."

Los Angeles could use James, Knecht and Hardy as potential trade pieces. Heavy.com’s Adel Ahmad has proposed a three-team trade that would send Jarred Vanderbilt and James out while bringing Jalen Smith to Los Angeles.

“Cavaliers receive: Norman Powell. Bulls receive: Jarrett Allen, Craig Porter Jr., Dalton Knecht and Bronny James. Lakers receive: Jalen Smith,” Ahmad wrote.

This trade would finally give the Lakers the backup center they need, as they are currently in a difficult spot at the position. It would also bring Los Angeles back within the league's roster limit.

Smith has made $36 million throughout his career. The Lakers moving James and Vanderbilt would give the organization an opportunity to address both its roster crunch and frontcourt depth. Smith is a stretch big who can contribute in a variety of ways on the offensive end.

He is also a solid defensive option who can protect the rim and provide additional size off the bench. Adding Smith would help solidify the Lakers' second unit while also giving them more flexibility with their roster.

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