The Los Angeles Lakers need to make some changes if they want to salvage their season, which has completely collapsed since they won the NBA In-Season Tournament.
Even though LeBron James is still playing at an elite level at 39 years old and Anthony Davis is having a fantastic season, the Lakers are 5-12 since winning a tournament.
However, they rank last in the league in a number of categories, including 3-point percentage, offensive rating, and offensive rebounding percentage. In terms of 3-point attempts, they are last in the league.
It seems that the focus is on second-year coach Darvin Ham, who has been making frequent lineup changes and players are apparently scratching their heads, rather than a roster that isn’t performing.
It is imperative that they take action to rotate the roster. Before the trade deadline, Zach LaVine’s name was mentioned in connection with the Lakers; however, his contract is too expensive and the move to acquire him would be too great.
Rozier is shooting 46% from the field, averaging 24.0 points and 6.8 assists per game in 26 games this season. If these stats continue, they would all be single-season highs. Since LaMelo Ball’s injury, he has had the best scoring season of his career and has become even more prolific.
It doesn’t appear like the Hornets are in a rush to trade Rozier. Russell and Jalen Hood-Schifino could be the first players the Lakers offer, and Hood-Schifino could be a part of the Hornets’ ongoing rebuilding.
Rozier seemed to be in favor of it, as evidenced by his liking of a tweet mentioning a possible trade with the Lakers. With his contract, the Lakers would only be out for a single season while still receiving offensive production.
The Lakers trading for Dejounte Murray is not a novel idea, but it does appear to be a costly one. Following their offseason agreement to a four-year, $120 million extension, the Atlanta Hawks are looking to offload Murray.
