Can the Lakers pull off a move to improve their roster?
Any team led by LeBron James is expected to make a trade in the run-up to the deadline in order to please and satisfy the superstar.
This is especially true if his team is performing below expectations. The Los Angeles Lakers as of January 21st definitely fit that description.
With a record of 22–22, the Lakers are currently ranked ninth in the tough Western Conference. Los Angeles would face the Dallas Mavericks in a play-in series if the playoffs started today.Something has to change for this team to reverse its current fortunes and go on a run. From a personnel standpoint, improving the lead guard position appears to be at the top of the list, writes Matt Moore of The Action Network.
“The Lakers want guards, but they need to at least be passable on defense, which is why there’s zero expectation at this point for them to add Zach LaVine,” writes Moore. “Dejounte Murray is most likely their top target, but Malcolm Brogdon, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Tyus Jones (who is looking for a starting spot and the money that comes with it) are other names to keep an eye on.”
As can be seen above, Moore suggested Malcolm Brogdon, Spencer Dinwiddie (a native of Los Angeles), Tyus Jones, and Dejounte Murray as possible candidates.
Moore also includes this fact:
“D’Angelo Russell will be difficult to trade for for the Lakers, as they did in June, and Rui Hachimura’s value has decreased somewhat as well. The Lakers are very interested in trading, but there’s doubt that a deal will materialize because they might be operating from a seriously weakened position of leverage.”
As has been widely reported over the past few months, there is a theory that the Lakers will acquire an upgrade by trading for D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, and a future first-round pick.
No deal has been able to come together thus far. Max Christie and Jalen Hood-Schifino, two young players, might potentially be included in a trade. Austin Reaves seems to be of interest to most teams; however, the Lakers seem reluctant to let him go.
We’ll see if LA softens its stance on Reaves as the trade deadline approaches.
Jason Fray is a proud Los Angeles native. He wrote for several publications after graduating from UCLA in 2011, such as Bleacher Report, FOX Sports, Saturday Down South, and New Arena. In his spare time, he likes to write screenplays, see live performances, play pub trivia every week with the guys, explore the best hidden restaurants in the area, and travel to 22 countries and counting.
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