The Los Angeles Lakers need to make changes as soon as possible or risk falling out of the playoff race. With a poor 20-21 record, a 19th-ranked offense, and a 16th-ranked defense, the Lakers are a middle-of-the-pack side at best and that won’t be enough considering LeBron James (24.7 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 7.5 APG) is 39 years old and in the twilight of his career. Along with Anthony Davis playing like an All-Star (25.1 PPG, 12.2 RPG, 2.5 BPG), the Lakers are not where they need to be and are heavily in the trade market.
While there could be some major changes they could make in the trade market as we look towards the February trade deadline, there are some deals on the table right now that the Purple and Gold need to avoid. While there might be an urgency in how the Lakers need to revamp the roster, there are three trade scenarios that could prove to be disastrous rather than beneficial. While these three players are important players for their teams, it could hurt the Lakers in both the short and long term.
A Blockbuster Deal For Pascal Siakam That Could Backfire
The first disaster trade scenario sees Pascal Siakam heading out of Toronto and to Los Angeles. While Siakam could improve the Lakers tremendously, on paper, this trade could prove to be devastating while looking a bit deeper.
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Pascal Siakam
Toronto Raptors Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, 2029 First-Round Pick
At first glance, the prospect of Pascal Siakam (22.2 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 4.9 APG) donning the Purple and Gold seems like a significant upgrade for the Los Angeles Lakers. Yet, beneath the surface, this trade carries the potential for devastation and that is not an exaggeration. While Siakam’s arrival may glitter on the stat sheet and promise a fearsome modern “twin-towers” pairing with Anthony Davis, the underlying risks cast a shadow over a trade that can’t be ignored.
The trade’s Achilles’ heel lies in Siakam’s impending free agency this summer. Investing valuable trade assets, including D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, and a 2029 First-Round Pick, for a player who could potentially walk away after a mere cameo in L.A. raises red flags. Siakam’s uncertain future introduces a high-stakes gamble that may leave the Lakers with fewer resources which could hurt their ability to contend in the near future or make other trades.
Beyond free agency, the dynamics of Siakam fitting into the Lakers’ hierarchy pose a potential quagmire. Accustomed to being the focal point since Kawhi Leonard’s departure from Toronto after the 2018-19 season, Siakam may not relish the role of a third option behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The risk of disrupting team chemistry looms large as we saw with the Russell Westbrook situation.
While the prospect of a Siakam-Davis frontcourt may dazzle at first glance, and on paper, there is too much risk for the Lakers. Siakam doesn’t seem to want to be tied to any long-term situation and wants to hold his future in his own hands, meaning testing free agency is what Siakam wants to do. Remember, the Lakers made a blockbuster deal for Dwight Howard in the 2012 season and that backfired because he ended up signing a deal with another team in the end. The Lakers cannot afford to do that considering their future lies in the hands of their young assets once LeBron James retires.
Getting Better This Season With Bojan Bogdanovic But Facing Regret A Year Later
The third disastrous deal sees the Lakers panicking too much and trading for a 35-year-old Bojan Bogdanovic who is having an excellent season, averaging 19.8 points per game on 40.7% shooting from three. However, this could be a trade the Lakers could come to regret in as short as one year.
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Bojan Bogdanovic
Detroit Pistons Receive: Austin Reaves, Gabe Vincent
In the third disaster trade scenario, the Lakers could find themselves in panic mode, acquiring the 35-year-old Bojan Bogdanovic from the Detroit Pistons. While Bogdanovic’s current season has been impressive on the stat sheet, averaging 19.8 points per game with a sharp 40.7% shooting from beyond the arc, the potential aftermath of this trade could lead to regret in as little as one year.
The Lakers would have to part ways with promising talent Austin Reaves and Gabe Vincent, coupled with a 2029 pick, to secure Bogdanovic’s services. Despite the immediate improvement Bogdanovic might bring to both ends of the court over the second half of this season, the hefty cost of a 35-year-old player raises concerns about the long-term viability of this trade.
Bogdanovic, while effective this season, doesn’t represent a transformative player who guarantees a Finals appearance for the Lakers. This trade essentially forces the Lakers into a win-now mentality, and if they fall short of making the Finals, which is extremely likely, they would be left relying on a 35-year-old Bogdanovic for the future—a risky situation.
Additionally, with Bogdanovic having played only 19 games this season, concerns arise about the longevity of his effectiveness, especially given his age and potential athletic limitations. Instead, retaining Austin Reaves provides the Lakers with the flexibility to nurture his potential, hoping he reaches another level or utilizing him as a trade asset to secure a star player in their prime without succumbing to panic decisions whereby patience could prevail.
Adding Shooting And Versatility But Risking Assets For An Overrated Player
The second deal sees versatile forward John Collins joining the Lakers. Collins made the 2017-18 All-Rookie Team and is posting a solid 13.8 points and 7.7 rebounds per game this season, but he is not the answer for the Lakers due to some very important reasons.
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: John Collins
Utah Jazz Receive: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, 2029 First-Round Pick
In the second disaster trade scenario, the Los Angeles Lakers entertain the notion of acquiring versatile forward John Collins, a player whose name has circulated in trade talks over the seasons. Despite Collins making the 2017-18 All-Rookie Team and his respectable 13.8 points and 7.7 rebounds per game this season, the concerns about this deal outweigh the potential benefits.
On the surface, the Lakers might believe that adding Collins would inject shooting and versatility into their roster. He is shooting 38.0% from three and is an athletic finisher at the rim. However, a closer examination reveals a risky move, as Collins has found himself on the trading block multiple times with the Atlanta Hawks. The uncertainty surrounding Collins’ long-term stability and value to a team has been pertinent and it has remained the case with the Utah Jazz again this season.
If Collins’ value is not perceived as high by the Hawks or Jazz (two rebuilding teams), it introduces the possibility of the Lakers acquiring an expendable player by multiple teams which lowers the value of this deal. Perhaps most importantly, the Lakers would need to part ways with assets such as Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and a 2029 pick to match the salary requirements. A sacrifice of the Lakers’ valuable assets for a player like Collins might not be worth it.
