en of the Los Angeles Lakers’ previous fourteen games have ended in losses, despite winning the NBA’s first-ever in-season tournament. They lost to the Miami Heat on January 3 and fell below.500 for the first time since November 10. This has many fans dreaming of a big possible trade deadline move. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Lakers front office appears to have the opposite idea in mind right now—that is, upending things significantly. Windhorst declared that the Lakers “don’t want to have to make a big move” and predicted that if a major decision is made by the front office, it will most likely be made “kicking and screaming.” The Lakers are unwilling to need to make a significant move, but they would rather hold onto their depth and the final first-round pick they are permitted to trade.
Reaves and his lucrative contract are definitely not wanted, nor are they willing to give up three players for one, as they did with Westbrook. They have faith in their formula, which consists of future Hall of Famers being supported by a group of stalwart defenders. Yes, it is a problem that they are unable to shoot. It’s a problem that their defense has crumbled. But kicking and screaming is probably what they’ll end up doing if they do anything meaningful. Remember that the next time you assess your visits to the trade machine.
This does not preclude Rob Pelinka and associates from making a move or two before the deadline. The possibility that the team will accomplish “something significant” is something Windhorst brings up in his analysis. Beyond that, though, there’s probably hope in all of Lakerland that the team will just figure it out and maybe even build on its most recent victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.
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