Lakers acquire Hachimura, taken out of Bogdanovic sweepstakes

For the time being, Bojan Bogdanovic will remain a Piston. The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly made a trade, acquiring Washington Wizards forward Rui Hachimura for Kendrick Dunn and three second-round draft picks.

Hachimura, who is in the final year of his rookie contract, has struggled to find consistency in his four-year career with the Wizards. Despite this, he has been productive, averaging 13 points and 5.1 rebounds while shooting 47.9% from the field and 35.6% from the 3-point line.The Wizards began shopping Hachimura after the two sides couldn’t come to an agreement on an extension heading into the season. Several teams, including the Kings, Mavericks, and Bucks, were reportedly interested in acquiring Hachimura, but it was the Lakers who ultimately sealed the deal. This marks the third trade between the Lakers and Wizards in the last three years.

Lakers’ trade assets in decision to not pursue Bogdanovic

The trade makes sense for the Lakers on paper as Hachimura brings size and versatility to the team, which is something they have been lacking on the wing. Additionally, his close relationship with Lakers guard Russell Westbrook could potentially help him excel in Los Angeles. However, there are also concerns about Hachimura’s lack of consistency and whether he will be able to live up to his potential with the Lakers.

The trade also comes at a cost for the Lakers, who have now lost a significant amount of their trade assets. Dealing away three second-round picks and Kendrick Nunn, one of their few tradeable contracts, could limit their options in future trades. This could also take the Lakers out of the running for other trade targets, such as Cam Reddish.

Bogdanovic’s offensive prowess making him a valuable trade target

This move also appears to have taken them out of the running for Detroit Pistons forward Bojan Bogdanovic. Rumors have been circulating about the Lakers potentially acquiring Bogdanovic, as he would bring a much-needed offensive boost to the team with his sharpshooting abilities.

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Bogdanovic is having a career year in Detroit, averaging 21.2 points per game and shooting 48.7% from the field and 41.5% from the 3-point range. His scoring and shooting abilities make him a valuable asset for any team with playoff and championship aspirations.

Other teams with playoff aspirations also showing interest in Bogdanovic 

Other teams, such as the Bucks, Pelicans, Cavaliers, Mavericks, and Raptors, have also expressed interest in acquiring Bogdanovic. The Bucks are looking to improve their wing positions, and Bogdanovic could be a valuable insurance policy for them should Khris Middleton’s recovery prove to be more difficult than expected. The Pelicans and Cavaliers, both upstart teams that look poised to make noise in the postseason, could also benefit from Bogdanovic’s scoring abilities. The Mavericks, in need of another shot creator, could also bolster their roster around Luka Doncic to maximize his MVP-caliber season. The Raptors, despite their lack of three-point shooting, appear more likely to sell than relinquish another pick.

Bogdanovic’s potential impact on playoff-contending teams

Overall, while the Lakers’ recent trade for Hachimura has taken them out of the running for Bogdanovic, other teams with playoff aspirations could benefit from his scoring and shooting abilities. It remains to be seen where Bogdanovic will end up, but it’s clear that he is a valuable asset on the trade market.

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