The Los Angeles Lakers’ approach of exercising patience in the lead-up to the trade deadline might be driven by more than just the financial aspects of making a transaction during this window; it could be a strategic move for their future plans.

According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the Lakers have been internally discussing the possibility of bundling three draft picks, along with players currently on their roster, to pursue a proven star player.

One name that has emerged in these discussions is Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Mitchell, a four-time All-Star, secured his first All-NBA selection last season.

He is having an impressive season with averages of 27.8 points, 6.1 assists, and 5.4 rebounds for the Cavs.

Currently in the third year of his five-year, $163 million contract, there is a player option for $37.1 million in the final year of the deal.

However, there has been speculation that Mitchell may not intend to re-sign with Cleveland, potentially setting the stage for a blockbuster trade.

While Mitchell passed on an extension opportunity, this decision may be driven by financial considerations, as he could potentially earn a significantly larger contract as a free agent.

According to Action Network’s Matt Moore, the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets are also monitoring the situation.

The Lakers, however, will likely have to rely on Mitchell’s desire to leave the Cavs, who are currently positioned fourth in the Eastern Conference standings.

One of the key factors behind the Lakers’ strategy is their draft pick situation.

As McMenamin explained, they currently have only one future first-round pick available for trade.

However, this changes on the day of the NBA draft, as they will have three additional first-round picks in 2031, 2029, and either 2024 or 2025, depending on New Orleans’ decision regarding the 2024 pick acquired from the Lakers.

While players like D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, and Gabe Vincent have been mentioned in trade rumors involving the Lakers, the team reportedly wants to retain Reaves and Hachimura.

Additionally, insiders have suggested that Russell, Hachimura, and Vincent have limited trade value in the current market.

Youngsters Max Christie and Jalen Hood-Schifino, both drafted this year, could also be attractive assets for the right team.

It remains uncertain whether the Cavaliers would be willing to engage in such a trade with the Lakers, especially considering the potential benefit to LeBron James.

Donovan Mitchell is not the Lakers’ sole target; they also plan to resume their pursuit of Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks.

Young, like Dejounte Murray, is a client of the Klutch Sports Group, and discussions surrounding a potential trade may continue evolving as the offseason approaches.