Needing to upgrade their frontcourt this offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers will likely call the Atlanta Hawks again about a previously reported trade target.

Trade Paul Skenes? The Pittsburgh Pirates should build around Paul Skenes. But they punted on an opportunity to do that last offseason, and the chances of owner Bob Nutting splurging this offseason are about as good as his team’s current playoff odds: 0.

The Pirates are already 11 games out of playoff position before Memorial Day, thanks in large part to an offense that ranks near the bottom of the majors in nearly every major category.

Many clubs could be interested if the Pirates make Skenes available in trade discussions at the deadline. The Chicago Cubs are one of MLB’s potent offenses, but the starting rot