Should the Los Angeles Lakers Make a Move at the Trade Deadline?
One year ago, the Los Angeles Lakers made a series of trades that propelled them to a successful playoff run. Now, with a .500 record and the trade deadline approaching, the Lakers are once again faced with the decision of whether to reshape their roster. Here are the three possible paths forward for the Lakers:
Option 1: Stay Put
Lakers coach Darvin Ham believes the team has enough talent to compete for a championship, as long as the supporting cast steps up. The Lakers have had limited time to evaluate their team due to early-season injuries, so they may choose to wait and see how the roster performs when fully healthy. They could also look to make a move in the summer when more trade options become available.
Option 2: Shake It Up
While LeBron James and Anthony Davis have been consistent performers, the rest of the roster has been inconsistent. The Lakers could explore trading for another top-tier talent, such as Dejounte Murray of the Atlanta Hawks. However, any trade would come at a cost, potentially involving young players or future draft picks.
Option 3: Split the Difference
The Lakers have identified the need for a backup point guard and have considered players like Collin Sexton of the Utah Jazz and Tyus Jones of the Washington Wizards. They could also target players who address specific needs in potential playoff matchups, such as Andre Drummond of the Chicago Bulls or Dorian Finney-Smith of the Brooklyn Nets.
Ultimately, the Lakers will need to decide whether to make a move at the trade deadline or trust in their current roster. The decision will have implications for the team’s championship aspirations and the future of key players like D’Angelo Russell. Regardless of the path they choose, the Lakers are focused on staying united and playing their best basketball.