NBA breaking news: Lakers eyeing Bogdanovic

A report has the Los Angeles Lakers offering a package of players and a protected first-round pick for the Pistons high-scoring forward Bojan Bogdanovic.

In a report for The Athletic (PAID SUBSCRIPTION REQUIRED), NBA insider Shams Charania says the Los Angeles Lakers feel they need to upgrade its shooting to try and move up in the standings, and they are looking at a deal for the Detroit Pistons Bojan Bogdanovic.

Obviously, the Lakers were impressed when Bogdanovic dropped 38 points on them in a 124-117 Lakers victory.

According to Chariania, the Lakers would offer players to match Bogdanovic’s $19.8 million salary and a protected first-rounder. How much protection would be included, and what year the draft pick would be (due to previous trades the Lakers only control its 2027 and 2029 first round draft picks) would obviously be of prime interest to the Pistons in any proposed deal.

Bogdanovic, 33, was acquired in a trade with the Utah Jazz in the off-season. The Pistons signed him to a two-year contract extension a month into the season.

He has been a major part of the Pistons offense, leading them in scoring with a 21 points a game average. Bogdanovic has also accepted the role of mentor to Detroit’s many young players. Once the trade was made, he flew from Croatia to Detroit in 24 hours to make the team’s pre-training camp dinner.

The loss of Bogdanovic would be a devastating blow to the Pistons already slender hopes of making the play-in tournament. It would be a definite sign Detroit management has given up on the season and will be tanking.

Are Detroit Pistons shopping Bojan Bogdanovic?

Charania also reported that the the Lakers are one of about 12 teams that have inquired about Bogdanovic. He would certainly be a valuable player to add to any NBA team making a playoff push or title run.

However, Charania also said the Pistons are not looking to get rid of Bogdanovic. If anything, they are reluctant to move him.

After a poor start, the Lakers have gone 9-5 after their win over the Pistons. Now that there is hope for success this season, they are exploring options. Bogdanovic would certainly help them, but they would need to push Detroit to do a deal.