NBA analyst Brian Windhorst believes there is very little chance the Los Angeles Lakers will trade for Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls. Windhorst said this audacious thing when talking about possible Lakers trades.
Despite averaging 20.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists, LaVine, who has been linked to trades, is having a rather poor season. 34.4% of his shots come from beyond the arc, and his field goal percentage is 45.1%. LaVine has made significant time-loss due to injuries in addition to his performance.
Contrary to popular belief, the Bulls have performed better this season without LaVine. Although they are 19–22 overall, they have managed a 10–8 record in the games they have played without LaVine. They have a 9-14 record, though, when LaVine is in the starting lineup.
Austin Reaves and other players, who the Lakers are reportedly unwilling to part with in order to acquire LaVine, would need to be parted with.
The Lakers’ previous effort, which featured a top-heavy roster centered on Russell Westbrook, failed to live up to the hype and they were not able to make it to the playoffs. The lesson learned from this experience is to be cautious. Instead of making a splashy trade for Zach LaVine, the Lakers should concentrate on adding players who improve their shooting and defense. Developing these core competencies within the team may result in improved performance as a whole.
The Lakers Need To Concentrate On Developing A Strong Defense
Looking back at the winning formula that took the Lakers to the Western Conference Finals the previous season, they find themselves in a familiar situation with a record after 40 games that is similar to that of the previous season (19–21). At this point in time.
Their dedication to defense served as the foundation of their identity throughout that outstanding run. After the trade deadline, the Lakers went on a tear to become the league’s best defensive team. They overcame tough opponents like the Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors to get to the conference finals.
The Lakers’ current defensive performance, with a 114.0 defensive rating, is less impressive; they are ranked 14th overall. Although this is commendable, it does not meet the high expectations expected of a team founded on the ideas of a strong defensive base.
The Lakers should place a high priority on making calculated moves to improve their defense in order to regain their defensive dominance. But this year’s plan includes an important addition: obtaining extremely skilled 3-point shooters. To become a serious contender, the team may need to combine strong long-range shooting with an outstanding defense.
In order to do this, the Lakers may need to be audacious and proactive when choosing their starting lineup, placing a premium on players who are both excellent defenders and consistent three-point shooters. The Lakers have the ability to quickly improve their team and reclaim their place as legitimate competitors in the cutthroat NBA by implementing these essential changes.
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