Under new coach JJ Redick, the Lakers’ draft strategy is beginning to take shape

The Los Angeles Lakers introduced JJ Redick as the franchise’s new head coach on Monday afternoon. League sources told Yahoo Sports that Redick spent the weekend on the phone with players up and down the Lakers roster, and explained his approach to some of their specific roles. Sources said Redick gave various players and their representatives the impression that a first-time head coach would value positional versatility, 3-point shooting and playmaking for a lineup that can adapt to LeBron James off the ball.

As the Lakers begin the remainder of a crucial offseason, the idea of ​​Los Angeles targeting centers living next to Anthony Davis has once again circulated among league personnel. The Lakers have since been linked to a number of centers at No. 17 in Wednesday’s NBA draft, most recently Baylor freshman Yves Missy as well as Indiana sophomore Ke’Kelle Ware. Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas, who is headed to unrestricted free agency, is another big man often mentioned by NBA figures as a potential Lakers frontcourt this summer.

Los Angeles has also made that No. 17 selection available via trade, sources said, as the Lakers evaluate the market for a significant contributor alongside James and Davis. Remember, the Lakers had serious talks with Atlanta about acquiring Dejounte Murray before the February trade deadline. Jerami Grant, a client of Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, is being considered as another potential name on the Lakers’ wish list, according to league sources.

A simple scenario remains in which the Lakers move down from the No. 17 pick. The New York Knicks and Utah Jazz have made progress on combining their final first-round pick and second-round draft capital to move into the teens of this draft, rival executives tell Yahoo Sports. Will Utah’s picks No. 29 and 32 be enough to tempt the Lakers to move back from their original spot? Both selections would give Los Angeles the first chance to draft Bronny James, while the Lakers currently have the No. 55 pick in the second round.

Utah’s optionality

The Jazz also added the No. 10 pick on Wednesday ahead of the picks at Nos. 29 and 32, plus a bounty of future draft capital from Utah’s past blockbusters Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell. The Jazz will also have nearly $40 million in cap space before Utah has to consider extension talks with All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen. The Utah regime under CEO Danny Ainge and general manager Justin Zanik has long been considered creative and profitable since the Jazz attempted to trade up from No. 9 in last June’s draft, sources said. Utah also looked to score on both Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday last time out.

So, what could be the next big change on Jazz’s radar? Brooklyn Nets swingman Mikal Bridges is the player to keep an eye on for Utah’s most offensive aspirations, according to league sources. The Jazz are said to be right in the mix with Houston, who holds the No. 3 pick, and New York, where three of Bridges’ college teammates currently play, are among the teams asking about the availability of the 27-year-old Brooklynite. Let’s continue to check with. Swingman of the Year. The Jazz have enough salary for veterans John Collins ($26.5 million) and Jordan Clarkson ($14 million) to send in any potential deal, in addition to making a trade in their own cap room.

Teams passing up Houston say the team is motivated to move its No. 3 selection for a win-now upgrade, as the team has to deal with the team option for Ja’Sean Tate and the salaries of Jeff Green and Jock Landell. The guarantee is expected to be given, the source said, in the form of potential outgoing money in trade packages.

Business in Brooklyn?

According to league sources, the Nets are active in efforts to make a trade in this week’s draft, as Brooklyn currently does not have a selection. The Nets have called the front office for selections in the early 20s, sources said, as several teams appear open to business by opting out of the first altogether, moving down a flight slot or moving to the second round. Are.

Phoenix at No. 22, New York at No. 25, Minnesota at No. 27, Utah at No. 29 and Boston at No. 30 are considering various trade scenarios, sources said, with draft boards going in both directions.