Overview
- Action Network’s Matt Moore links Los Angeles to Michael Porter Jr., citing recent dialogue with Brooklyn and noting a prior Dorian Finney-Smith deal between the teams.
- Porter is delivering a career-best season in Brooklyn, averaging roughly 25.7 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists while hitting nearly 40% from three.
- Porter’s $38.3 million salary complicates a trade, with reports indicating multiple outgoing contracts would be needed, including names such as Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber.
- Some outlets report the Nets want at least one unprotected future first-round pick in any Porter (or Nic Claxton) deal, and the Lakers are described as reluctant to move Austin Reaves.
- Los Angeles is also linked to defensive center Nic Claxton, and analysts flag Porter’s defense as a concern even as the Feb. 5 deadline approaches with no agreement in place.