​Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka during a press conference in June 2024 GettyLos Angeles Lakers Summer League guard Jon Elmore has been included in a massive six-team trade at the G League level that has largely flown under the radar.The complex transaction involved the Greensboro Swarm, Stockton Kings, Salt Lake City Stars, Austin Spurs, Oklahoma City Blue, and Iowa Wolves, with a mixture of returning player rights and future draft picks changing hands.For Elmore, the deal means his G League rights have moved from the Sacramento Kings‘ affiliate in Stockton to the San Antonio Spurs‘ affiliate in Austin.While the move does not guarantee where the 30-year-old will play next season, it adds an interesting wrinkle after his productive summer with the Lakers.Lakers Summer League Guard Quietly Impressed in Las VegasElmore initially attracted plenty of attention during the California Classic and Las Vegas Summer League, partly due to his distinctive appearance.Beyond that, however, the veteran guard quietly put together a productive stretch for Los Angeles.Across five appearances, Elmore averaged 6.4 points, 1.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.6 steals while providing valuable minutes off the bench.He shot 44.4% from the field and an impressive 46.7% from three-point range on three attempts per game.Against the Golden State Warriors at the California Classic, Elmore produced an unusual stat line of zero points, seven assists, and two steals. His offensive production picked up as the summer progressed.Elmore closed out his campaign by scoring 11 points against the Chicago Bulls and another 10 against Golden State, combining for eight assists across the two games.An NBA roster spot was never a realistic expectation for the veteran guard, but a return to the Lakers’ G League system could have provided an intriguing opportunity.The newly rebranded Coachella Valley Lakers appear set for significant backcourt turnover, with Kobe Bufkin, Nick Smith Jr., and R.J. Davis all potentially moving on. That could leave meaningful minutes available heading into the new season.
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Spurs Complicate Potential Jon Elmore Return to LABefore the trade, the Lakers would have needed to acquire Elmore’s returning player rights from Stockton to add him to their G League roster.Instead, Austin swooped in and acquired those rights as part of the six-team transaction.Importantly, owning Elmore’s returning rights does not guarantee that he will suit up for the Spurs’ affiliate next season. It does, however, give Austin control over his immediate future should he remain in the G League.Elmore could bypass those rights entirely by pursuing an opportunity overseas. Alternatively, if the Lakers want to bring back their Summer League guard, they would now need to negotiate with Austin to acquire his rights.His experience could certainly hold value for a young Lakers developmental roster.Across 36 games with Stockton last season, Elmore aver