At 16-15 on the season, the Los Angeles Lakers have not lived up to expectations this season but help may be on the way. Already, multiple trade rumors have surfaced out of Los Angeles — and in the most recent report, it’s two Nets role-players who have been tagged as potential trade targets for Rob Pelinka.
“Those are two guys the Lakers have had interest in dating back to last offseason and even last trade deadline,” reported Jovan Buha. “I know that those are two guys they would have an interest in bringing in.”
With LeBron James and Anthony Davis leading the way, the Lakers are keeping their head above the water to avoid an early season hole. Even so, it has become clear in recent weeks that the Lakers need more help if they want to secure a top-six seed this season. As two-way veteran wings, Royce O’Neale and Dorian Finney-Smith may not be the best options available but they’d certainly make the Lakers more dangerous all around with increased depth and shooting on the perimeter.
Best Trade Targets For Lakers?
Ranked 24th offensively with an average scoring total of 114.1, the Lakers clearly need some help on the wing if they want to make any noise this season. With that in mind, a return of Finney-Smith and Royce O’Neale wouldn’t be a bad trade at all for the Lakers, who are currently relying on Cam Reddish and Taurean Prince to space the floor for them. If they can get those players without giving up their core members (LeBron, Davis, Reaves, and Rui) it will count as a massive success for Rob Pelinka.
If not, there are still other options on the table. So far, the trade market has been buzzing with rumors, and the Lakers have been connected to most of them. In Chicago, both Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan have been made available and they could be had for a relatively cheap cost. There’s also the situation in Toronto, where prized two-way veterans OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam have been entangled in trade talks. No matter which way you look, the path is there for the Lakers to make a move and increase their odds for success but it remains to be seen if it will be enough to result in a lengthy playoff run.
Lakers Are Wildcard In The West
Thanks to LeBron James, the Lakers are still positioned to make the playoffs this year. In what some are calling his best season in years, LeBron has turned back the clock to average 25.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game on 53.9% shooting. Based on his play alone, it’s impossible to count the Lakers out this season. Of course, there’s also the play of Anthony Davis, who has easily been among the league’s best defenders this campaign.
Outside of those two, everyone else on the Lakers roster has been mostly inconsistent and it’s left the two stars to carry the burden on their own. At this point, only a trade will salvage this season and it’ll be up to Rob Pelinka to find a deal that works for all sides. Whether it’s with the Nets, Bulls, or some other team, it’s only a matter of time before changes are made.
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