The Los Angeles Lakers successfully navigated the 2024 NBA trade deadline without adding any new players to their roster. Fans were cautious about the trade deadline because the team has underperformed this season despite what was regarded as a very successful offseason. However, head coach Darvin Ham has stated that injuries are the team’s biggest problem, so if the Lakers can stay healthy for the remainder of the season, maybe the perception of this group will change. In the meantime, LA should keep an eye out for any unsigned free agents they think would be good additions to the team.
These four Lakers, ranked from most likely to be waived to least likely, could be released to make room for a new signing.
Jaxson Hayes Joining the Lakers on a two-year, $4.6 million deal last summer, Jaxson Hayes has struggled to find consistent time on the floor. He has been low on Ham’s priority list for minutes, and the only three starts he has earned this season have come when Anthony Davis was ruled out due to injury. Lakers fans have learned that one of the biggest impediments to Hayes’ success and what probably keeps him from earning more playing time is his mentality. He has the physical attributes to thrive in the NBA, but it is the mental aspect he is missing. Not giving consistent effort is a way to get yourself benched quickly in this league. If the Lakers are able to find a backup center
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