The Los Angeles Lakers appear poised and prepared to use the trade market to make a significant winter acquisition. Since the beginning of the season, there have been numerous rumors suggesting that the Lakers are interested in signing a third star. Already, Zach LaVine and Dejounte Murray have been connected to them, and there have also been rumors of Dorian Finney-Smith and Royce O’Neale. However, what if they took a different path?
It’s inevitable that the players they’ve been linked to will create fierce competition in the market. Alternatively, they could search the league for additional cheap players to bolster them in vital positions. The Lakers’ path to success in the previous season was paved with depth. They included more.
While the Lakers are always drawn to the idea of acquiring a star player, they also have a number of other trade options to consider in 2024.
In minutes without Anthony Davis, the Lakers’ center position has been inconsistent. Considering that he has only missed three games this season, AD’s durability is astounding. But because the Lakers don’t have enough players behind him to carry the load, he has had to play through injuries. While Christian Wood is a defensive liability, Jaxson Hayes is raw. Alternatively, they can avoid future capital outlays by adding a tried-and-true veteran center like Clint Capela.
The Lakers have been without Gabe Vincent due to injuries. By the end of the trade deadline, he ought to be well enough to be the Hawks’ dependable backup guard. With Onyeka Okongwu emerging as the full-time starter, Jaxson Hayes will be a valuable and complimentary big man next to Trae Young, albeit in an off-the-bench capacity. Taurean Prince, who starts for the Lakers and averages 9.8 points and 2.9 rebounds, is the most useful acquisition.
This season, Capela has averaged 12.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks. He is a beast on the boards and a skilled rim protector. He is perhaps one of the best big-man backups in the NBA because he won’t be a starter for the Lakers. It enables the Lakers as well to run two-man lineups that include AD and Capela; this would come in handy if the Wolves or Nuggets were the opponents in a postseason series.
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