The Los Angeles Lakers look like they desperately need some reinforcements before the trade deadline. The team is barely staying in the mix for the Western Conference playoffs, mainly due to an incredible stretch of games by LeBron James since Anthony Davis went down with an injury.
It seems there is apprehension behind making any major trade from LA’s side due to the long-term outlook of the team. Jeanie Buss is unwilling to sacrifice the team’s future for small short-term gains, so trading first-round picks may be out of the question. But what trades can be made without giving up a first-round pick?
ESPN front office insider Bobby Marks believes the Lakers should go after Orlando Magic wing Terrence Ross to add shooting to the team, something Darvin Ham openly said would be an area of focus in the trade market.
“If there is a trade candidate on the roster it would be forward Terrence Ross, who is the team’s oldest player at 31 and is on an expiring $13.5 million deal.
Trade we would like to see: Ross to the Lakers for Patrick Beverley and the Bulls’ 2023 second-round pick.” (h/t ESPN)
Ross hasn’t been highly coveted around the league, and it doesn’t seem like he should carry the price of a first-round pick. Ross on an expiring contract also allows the Lakers to protect cap space for the summer by switching him with another expiring contract in Beverley.
Are The Lakers Going To Make A Move?
The Lakers could have used second-round picks to make moves last season as well but chose to stand pat. Fear of the same happening this year has built up within the fanbase, as some hold out hope for a major trade to save their season.
Trading for Ross makes sense with what the team wants to give up and what roster needs they need to address. Unless there are rival teams bidding for Ross, the Lakers could get him for cheap as well. Hopefully, they make some move to address shooting at the wing position that satisfies their long-term needs, along with giving LeBron James the tools to make the playoffs in Year 20.
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