Can the Lakers pull off a move to improve their roster?
On any LeBron James-led team, the assumption is that a trade will be made toward the deadline to placate and appease the superstar.
This is particularly the case if his team is underachieving relative to expectations. As of January 21st, the Los Angeles Lakers certainly fit that description.
The Lakers sit at 22-22 — good for ninth in the competitive Western Conference. If the playoffs began today, LA would be in a play-in series against the Dallas Mavericks.
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,” Moore writes. “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 seen above, Moore mentioned the likes of Malcolm Brogdon, LA native Spencer Dinwiddie, Tyus Jones, and Dejounte Murray as potential options.
Moore also adds this tidbit:
“The Lakers, as was the case in June, will have a hard time finding a taker for D’Angelo Russell in such a deal, and Rui Hachimura’s value has dipped some as well. The Lakers’ interest in a trade is significant, but given that they may be dealing from a serious position of compromised leverage, there’s skepticism a deal will surface.”
As has been reported throughout the last few months, many theorize the Lakers using a package of D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, and a future first-round pick to acquire some sort of upgrade.
Thus far, no deal has been able to materialize. Young players Max Christie and Jalen Hood-Schifino could theoretically be included in a deal. Most teams appear to have interest in Austin Reaves — though the Lakers seem hesitant to let him go.
As we get closer to the trade deadline, we’ll see if LA does indeed soften on the Reaves stance.
