At 24-25 on the season, the Los Angeles Lakers have not been playing up to standards through the first 49 games. So with pressure to win at an all-time high, it’s only natural for the fans to expect some kind of major shake-up to save the season. But according to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, nobody should be holding their breath on a potential deal.
“The Lakers have been active but they are a team, like a lot of other teams, that are trying to improve without a real difference maker really available in the marketplace. I think Laker fans and players and the organization probably have to temper their expectations on this trade deadline,” said Woj. “Their best bet might be to wait… There are so few difference makers available.”
At this point, the Lakers’ quest for talent has been well documented and it’s no secret that they seek upgrades in the backcourt. But with so little to offer in the way of assets, the Lakers are limited in what they can do and a trade may not be as certain as some fans were led to believe.
What’s Wrong With The Lakers?
After a run to the Western Conference Finals last season, the Lakers were hopeful that they could carry the momentum into the 2023-24 campaign. At first, they were playing pretty well and even went undefeated during the inaugural in-season tournament. Eventually, however, things took a turn for the worse, and the Lakers began to free-fall down the standings. With largely the same roster and game plan as last season, nobody is sure who is most to blame for the struggles.
While some might blame LeBron James and his tendency to destabilize the situation, others blame Davin Ham for the way he’s misused lineups this season. Of course, the supporting cast also has a role to play in the struggles, as their inability to stay consistent has really hurt the team. Regardless of who you think is the source of the Lakers’ woes, something will have to change for them to move on and advance in the Western Conference this year.
Busy Trade Season
With just a few days to go before the trade deadline, rumors are heating up across the league and the Lakers have been heavily involved. With a desire for perimeter-oriented shooters and playmakers, the Lakers have been connected to several targets, including Atlanta’s Dejounte Murray and Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls. They’re also been rumored to be interested in Lauri Markkanen, who would undoubtedly move the needle for the Purple and Gold.
At 39 years old, LeBron James doesn’t have time to wait for the Lakers to build a contender. He needs a team that is ready to compete right now and that can punch above its weight when the pressure is highest in April, May, and June. Right now, as presently constructed, the Lakers are just not good enough and everyone in the league knows this. For better or worse, these next few weeks could very well determine how LeBron’s storied career ends after all these years.
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