The Lakers package was chosen over Memphis’…

As The Athletic previously reported, the Lakers have been patient on the trade front, aiming to use their first-round picks (they have access to their 2029, 2030 and/or 2031 first-rounders but can trade two of those — 2029 and 2031 — at most) closer to the trade deadline when they had a better gauge on their roster. But the exception to that approach, according to team and league sources earlier in the month, was a shorter-term opportunity to trade for Jonas Valančiūnas, Cam Johnson and/or Finney-Smith. The Lakers have had an interest in Valančiūnas dating back to the summer. Brooklyn, of course, pivoted to being sellers when it traded Dennis Schröder to Golden State on Dec. 15.