If the Los Angeles Lakers are to fulfill their dream of winning the NBA Championship, they must make improvements. This Lakers team isn’t good enough as it stands right now to defeat the NBA’s elite teams.
In light of this, the Lakers have emerged as one of the teams to watch closely as the trade deadline draws near. Los Angeles ought to act at the deadline even if they don’t make a major trade akin to that of Russell Westbrook.
But it’s not just about trades. The Lakers currently have 14 players on their active roster, but more spots may become available based on what transpires at the trade deadline. Los Angeles will keep an eye on the takeover.
The purple and gold have two new names to keep an eye on as possible buyout targets: Danilo Gallinari and Mike Muscala, thanks to a trade between the Detroit Pistons and Washington Wizards on Sunday.
Following their trade to the Pistons, Mike Muscala or Danilo Gallinari may be targets for a Lakers buyout.
The main focus of the trade was to get rid of Bagley’s contract, which required Detroit to trade second-round picks in order to complete the deal. Muscala and Gallinari are both on expiring contracts, so the Pistons have no real reason to keep them around for the remainder of the season. Detroit will keep both veterans on the team for the time being in an attempt to see if they can turn around their season in order to try and trade them for a second-round pick or two. That’s probably not going to happen, so the two will be bought out.
If the Lakers have the choice, it might be difficult to choose between Gallinari and Muscala because they are in very similar situations. These veterans, who specialize in three points, have had a great deal of difficulty this season behind the arc. But both veterans have a strong enough resume to expect them to rebound when they aren’t playing for a losing team like the Wizards.
Though both players would be capable of playing small ball in the frontcourt, Muscala may be a better logistical fit due to his greater experience as a five. When playing at their peak, Muscala and Gallinari can each contribute 12–14 minutes off the bench and score some three points while posing a threat off the ball.
If certain players—like Rui Hachimura—are traded before the deadline, that requirement might rise.
Even if all they add is shooting, that is something that this Lakers team desperately needs off the bench. That need could be increased if certain players (like Rui Hachimura) are traded at the deadline.
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