The 2022 NBA Playoffs are in full flow with the Conference Finals commenced. Unfortunately, the Los Angeles Lakers aren’t part of the postseason. It came as quite a shock to NBA fans as the Lakers were picked as one of the favorites to win it all this season.
On paper, they had one of the scariest rosters in the league with the likes of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony, and more. Unfortunately, on the court, the roster didn’t have the same level of chemistry as many would have hoped it would have.
While injuries played a crucial role in the downfall of the Lakers, almost all players apart from LeBron James failed to fulfill their roles at an individual level. The aftermath of this abysmal season is the fact that a new era is expected to begin for the Lakers.
It started with the sacking of Lakers head coach Frank Vogel. Now, the next step for the team is to find suitable trade targets that they can use to bolster the team next season.
There have been many players linked to the Purple & Gold over the last few weeks. A few more names have been added to that list, courtesy of anonymous NBA executives revealing hypothetical trade targets for the legendary franchise.
Via Heavy:
“Who could the Lakers target with the pair? It might be tough to get anything done without giving up a future first-rounder, and the Lakers are short in that respect—they can’t trade a pick until 2027, and are reluctant to give up picks that far out. But it won’t be impossible. The exec threw out, hypothetically, Duncan Robinson of the [Miami] Heat, Malik Beasley of the [Minnesota] Timberwolves, and Christian Wood of the [Houston] Rockets.”
The lack of good role players played a vital role in the team’s struggle this season. If the Purple & Gold can sign any of the above-mentioned players, it will solve that issue for them.
As of now, these are nothing but rumors. There is no confirmation from the franchise about these rumors and we are certain that will remain the case for a while as things take place in the background.
