According to NBA analyst Brian Windhorst, the chances of the Los Angeles Lakers trading for Chicago Bulls’ Zach LaVine are virtually non-existent. Windhorst made this bold statement while discussing potential moves for the Lakers.
“I think there’s a zero percent chance of the Lakers trading for Zach Lavine.”
"I think there's a zero percent chance of the Lakers trading for Zach Lavine."
– Brian Windhorst
(h/t @_TradeDeadline ) pic.twitter.com/Anh9324r1S
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 15, 2024
LaVine, who has been rumored to be on the trade block, is having a somewhat subpar season, averaging 20.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists. His shooting percentages are 45.1% from the field and 34.4% from beyond the arc. In addition to his performance, LaVine has also missed significant time due to injuries.
Surprisingly, the Bulls have displayed better performance without LaVine on the court this season. Their overall record is 19-22, but in the games without LaVine, they have managed a record of 10-8. Conversely, with LaVine in the lineup, they’ve posted a 9-14 record.
For the Lakers to secure LaVine, they would need to part ways with considerable assets, including players like Austin Reaves, whom they are reportedly not willing to include in any trade deals. Acquiring LaVine would also require matching his $40 million salary, adding complexity to any potential deal.
The Lakers’ past attempt with a top-heavy roster, centering around Russell Westbrook, fell short of expectations, resulting in a missed playoff appearance. The cautionary lesson from this experience leads to the suggestion that, rather than opting for a high-profile trade for Zach LaVine, the Lakers should focus on acquiring assets that bolster their shooting and defensive capabilities. Strengthening these fundamental aspects of the team could lead to an overall enhancement in performance.
The Lakers Should Focus On Building A Good Defence
As the Lakers find themselves in a familiar position with a similar record after 40 games compared to the previous season (19-21), it’s essential to reflect on the successful formula that propelled them to the Western Conference Finals last year. At the same juncture, they made strategic moves just before the trade deadline, transforming their trajectory and finishing with a 43-39 record.
The cornerstone of their identity during that impressive run was their commitment to defense. Following the trade deadline, the Lakers surged to become the top-ranked defensive team in the league, ultimately reaching the conference finals after overcoming formidable opponents like the Golden State Warriors and the Memphis Grizzlies.
However, the current defensive standing of the Lakers is less stellar, ranking 14th in defensive rating with 114.0. While this is respectable, it falls short of the high standards set for a team built on the principles of a robust defensive foundation.
To regain their defensive prowess, the Lakers should prioritize making strategic moves to bolster their defensive capabilities. However, there’s a crucial addition to this year’s strategy—acquiring highly proficient 3-point shooters. Combining an elite defense with potent long-range shooting can be the key to transforming the team into a formidable contender.
To achieve this, the Lakers may need to be bold and proactive in their roster decisions, emphasizing players who not only excel defensively but also bring reliable three-point shooting skills to the table. By making these necessary adjustments, the Lakers have the potential to elevate their squad significantly within a short timeframe, re-establishing themselves as genuine contenders in the competitive NBA landscape.
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