The Lakers decided that giving up both their 2027 and 2029 first-round picks — the only future first-round assets they have in their draft chest — was too steep a price to pay for a haul that wouldn’t indisputably propel them to contender status, sources said. Plus the Lakers reasoned, sources said, the same deal with the Pacers would still be there down the line should they reengage. With the Lakers (7-11) and Pacers (11-8) set to meet Monday (10:30 p.m. ET), here are five questions to answer as L.A. considers whether to deal or not to deal.
The Lakers decided that giving up both their 2027 and 2…
January 26, 2023 | 6:56 pm EST Update
Gary Harris on Paolo Banchero: 'He ain't normal'
The mere notion that Banchero could potentially hit the rookie wall was quickly shot down by teammates Wendell Carter Jr. and Gary Harris. The start by Banchero is something Harris has never seen. “He is not no normal rookie. He ain’t normal at all. He is hungry. He wants to be great. He is willing to learn. He wants to be coached. He is taking it in all on the fly and he is 20 years old so this is a lot for him. In halfway through the season, I’ve never seen anybody come into the league like he has come into the league with just how locked in, focused and how mature he is. He already is special. He is special.”
Adam Spolane: Stephen Silas will miss Saturday’s game in Detroit to be with his family for his father’s memorial service in Charlotte. John Lucas will coach the team while he is away
Julia Poe: Goran Dragić is recovering from illness and has gotten in several workouts back in Chicago. Billy Donovan says Goran will meet the team in Orlando tomorrow.
Joe Cowley: Javonte Green is probably another week or two away from running, biking, etc… then team will have better feel of a timetable. Goran Dragic was expected to meet the team in Orlando tomorrow.
Jared Weiss: Marcus Smart is in a “sock” of some sort to protect his ankle, according to Joe Mazzulla. Celtics will be “patient” with Smart’s recovery, but fortunately they have 3 days off after the Lakers game Saturday.
Erik Slater: Nets say Seth Curry (right knee soreness) is OUT tonight vs. Detroit. Curry played 35 minutes last night. He gets the back end of the back to back off.
Arash Markazi: I can’t wait for you all to see “Sincerely, Los Angeles.” It’s the first-ever documentary film about the people and stories behind the Kobe Bryant murals. Here’s a look at the trailer. Follow @sincerelyladoc and visit https://t.co/jmnC3p8X1U for more info. pic.twitter.com/oA7GHmfyns
