Having great players on paper isn’t useful if they can’t play in sync throughout the regular season and the playoffs. The Los Angeles Lakers found that out last season when their Big 3 experiment featuring LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook failed.
The Purple and Gold were nowhere close to being one of the top teams in the Western Conference, as they ended up missing even the play-in tournament.
Fast forward to now, the Lakers are trying to learn from their mistakes and create a roster that can lead them to an NBA Championship. But it’s easier said than done. The team might be a bit better than last season, but there are still a few missing pieces.
Most believe trading for Buddy Hield and Myles Turner will solve their issues, and the Lakers have been linked to them for a few weeks now. But as per NBA insider Shams Charania, the Lakers aren’t willing to give up their two future first-round picks for Hield and Turner.
Lakers Fans Are Furious With Their Team
Considering the fact that LeBron James is getting older and Anthony Davis struggling with injuries, the franchise is trying to protect its future assets. But at the same time, they need to trade the picks in order to improve their roster right now.
With James and AD on the roster, they still have an open championship window and they need to capitalize on it as much as they can.
REPORT: The Lakers were “unwilling to part” with their two first-round picks for any deal involving Buddy Hield or Myles Turner.
(via @ShamsCharania, @TheRally) pic.twitter.com/bWbvF3f842
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 22, 2022
Due to the franchise’s reluctance to trade the future first-round picks, the fanbase is understandably unhappy. Here’s how the Lakers fans reacted to the news on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FreddyVSaytana/status/1572768659084578817https://twitter.com/batmenmenbat/status/1572763222939406336
So don’t trade the picks for an instant roster upgrade and miss the playoffs again?
— CRW (@Wilh8Christian) September 22, 2022
I can't believe were gonna once again be praying that some star is gonna want out and that team is willing to accept two FRPs and Russ in exchange.
You've got a win right in front of you. Take it.
— Dax McCoy (@DaxGotFacts) September 22, 2022
Lakers have no desperation yet.
As soon as AD gets a hang nail, and Bron needs rest from playing 40mins a game, and Westbrook is running the show… you'll see LAL Brass drop thier drawers.
Bron doesn't care about 2027 & 2029 pics. He won't be there.
LePressure is coming!
— Coach SCOTT ! 🏀 🎶 (@NBAJazzChat1) September 22, 2022
REPORT: Mid were “unwilling to part” with their two first-round picks for any deal involving Mid or Mid.
— CHILITO (@leanord_GCC) September 22, 2022
The lakers dont wanna win???. They better pull of this utah deal or someone getting fired💀
— wgeh (@wge15_) September 22, 2022
Lakers gonna trade away whoever they draft anyway so why not just trade the now
— Corey J💯🏁 (@coreyj_23) September 22, 2022
I wonder how important the Lakers' two first-round picks really are
— Sicily (@wenwen520530) September 22, 2022
What is wrong with the Lakers?
— Chandler Enfinger (@ChandlerEnfing1) September 22, 2022
https://twitter.com/MarcLobo31/status/1572816649841180673
While the Pacers might be playing hardball, the Lakers need an instant upgrade on their current roster.
Because if they do not get more valuable role players, it will force AD and LBJ to play a lot more games. Which will obviously increase the risk of injuries to their two best players.
