Lakers rumors have become the major news of the 2023-24 NBA season because a title-contending team featuring LeBron James and Anthony Davis should be doing a lot better than they currently are. A 23-23 record is not good enough and the Lakers have not found the right role-player performances around the stars. No doubt, changes need to be made but there is a patient way in which they can do that.
The Lakers need a need point guard play, a new All-Star, and a big man who can provide cover for Anthony Davis. The way they can do that is to make a shocking move for veteran Kyle Lowry and engage in a blockbuster deal with the Chicago Bulls that sends DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic to them to create one of the best depth charts in the NBA. Here are the steps to the ultimate patient plan for the Lakers.
Sign Kyle Lowry
The first move is to wait patiently for Kyle Lowry to become available, a 37-year-old veteran who will likely be on the outs with the Charlotte Hornets as the team is tanking and the player belongs on a title-contending team. Lowry was posting 8.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game for the Miami Heat this season on 38.5% shooting from three but the team made an upgrade by acquiring Terry Rozier.
It is very likely that Lowry will get bought out soon and there are many teams interested in his services. Fortunately for the Lakers, seven major contenders for Lowry’s signature are not allowed to acquire him, leaving the Lakers in a very advantageous position. The Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat, and Denver Nuggets are all title-contenders who can’t acquire the former six-time All-Star.
Lowry is not the same All-Star player who won the championship in the 2019-20 NBA season but he can still play a vital role for a contender as he showed in last year’s Finals run with the Heat. Lowry can be the perfect backup to D’Angelo Russell as he can make outside shots, defend, take charges, and provide veteran leadership.
Considering he is a buyout player, the Lakers will not be able to do better than acquiring Lowry. Interestingly, the Lakers were heavily interested in the guard in 2023, and even if it is slightly later than expected, Lowry can be the new point guard for the Lakers and he would be a welcomed sight to everybody from superstar LeBron James to head coach Darvin Ham who needs more floor generals.
Blockbuster Trade With Bulls For DeMar DeRozan And Nikola Vucevic
The second move in the Lakers’ patient plan is to make a blockbuster deal for DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic, two All-Star-caliber players who belong on a title contender to provide elite offensive abilities.
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic
Chicago Bulls Receive: Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2029 First-Round Pick
From the Lakers’ perspective, the proposed blockbuster trade for DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic will greatly maximize their championship window. As LeBron James approaches the later stages of his career at 39 years old, and with Anthony Davis’s occasional injury concerns, the Lakers recognize the urgency of surrounding their star duo with additional All-Star-caliber talent to solidify their title chances.
DeRozan, a proven scorer and playmaker, brings a wealth of experience and a polished offensive skill set that aligns seamlessly with LeBron James’ playmaking abilities. He is averaging 21.9 points and 5.3 assists per game on 46.1% from the field at 34 years old and ranks third in the NBA in mid-range scoring. His mid-range proficiency and knack for creating his shot add a dynamic scoring element that complements James and provides a reliable scoring option in crunch time. Furthermore, DeRozan’s ability to thrive in isolation situations makes him a valuable asset when the game slows down in crucial moments, perfectly fitting the Lakers’ win-now mentality.
Adding Nikola Vucevic to the mix not only bolsters the Lakers’ frontcourt but also provides a skilled offensive big man who can stretch the floor. The big man is posting 16.9 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game on 46.9% from the field. Vucevic’s ability to score both inside and outside the paint adds versatility to the Lakers’ offensive schemes, creating mismatches for opposing defenses. His proficiency in rebounding and basketball IQ contribute to the team’s overall efficiency, especially in pick-and-roll situations, where he can operate alongside James and Davis.
While the Lakers are parting ways with young talents like Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, and promising assets like a first-round pick, the move reflects a commitment to their win-now mentality. The acquisition of established stars in DeRozan and Vucevic not only enhances the team’s immediate championship prospects but also acknowledges the importance of maximizing the championship window while LeBron James remains at an elite level at 39 years old. In essence, the star power of DeRozan and Vucevic suits the Purple and Gold jerseys because superstars win games and eventually, championships.
A New Title-Contending Roster
The Lakers’ new depth chart looks far more formidable with the three new acquisitions. Even if the Lakers would prefer to make deals for established superstars such as Donovan Mitchell and Trae Young, it is simply unrealistic to find an equal playing field considering only their 2029 first-round pick provides the expected maximum value. Instead, the Lakers can have a much better team if they play it patiently.
Starting Lineup: D’Angelo Russell, DeMar DeRozan, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Nikola Vucevic
Bench: Kyle Lowry, Cam Reddish, Max Christie, Taurean Prince, Jarred Vanderbilt, Christian Wood, Jaxson Hayes
The revamped Lakers roster, featuring key acquisitions through strategic trades and a significant buyout addition in Kyle Lowry, has transformed into a powerhouse that exudes depth, versatility, and championship potential. The starting lineup, headlined by D’Angelo Russell, DeMar DeRozan, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Nikola Vucevic, forms a formidable unit with an enviable mix of scoring, playmaking, and interior presence.
The retention of Russell not only adds a dynamic scoring guard to the starting five but also ensures a motivated and content player in the Lakers’ locker room because the point guard seems happy in Los Angeles. LeBron James and Anthony Davis now find themselves surrounded by a more potent supporting cast, with DeRozan and Vucevic bringing their All-Star caliber talents to the forefront. Davis, in particular, benefits from a return to his preferred power forward position, unlocking his full defensive and offensive potential.
The addition of Kyle Lowry from the buyout market provides the Lakers with a seasoned floor general and leader coming off the bench. Lowry’s playoff experience and ability to play pivotal roles in crunch-time situations make him a valuable asset, providing stability and depth to the Lakers’ backcourt. The departure of Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura opens up opportunities for players like Taurean Prince and Max Christie to showcase their talents in a more prominent role.
With a Big Four of Russell, DeRozan, James, and Davis, the Lakers emerge as favorites in the West, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the likes of the Nuggets and Clippers in the race to the Finals. The depth, star power, and versatility of the new Lakers roster create a formidable force that positions them as strong contenders for an NBA championship.
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