The Los Angeles Lakers haven’t had the best season so far despite making the Western Conference Finals last year. With a 22-23 record, the Lakers are a middle-of-a-road team and that is proven by the fact that they rank 17th in offense (114.8 PPG) and 17th in defense (115.8 PPG). LeBron James and Anthony Davis have been All-Star performers, but there hasn’t been much help for them. That is why the Lakers are stuck in a play-in spot and it is mainly because they lack shooting.
The fact that LeBron is the Lakers’ second-best shooter is not a good look, although he has been efficient shooting 39.1% behind D’Angelo Russell (41.2%). Only Taurean Prince is the only other Laker shooting over 36% (38.5%), and the Lakers rank 28th in 3PM (11.0) and dead last in attempts (30.5). No doubt, the Lakers need more shooting on the team.
Even Paul George has come out and explained why the Lakers are too easy to guard and it comes down to their poor perimeter scoring around LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Luckily, there could be trades on the table for the Lakers to acquire one of two available shooters. To get more offense flowing and surround James and Davis with sharpshooters, the Lakers can make two major moves right now by trading for Duncan Robinson and Bojan Bogdanovic.
Lakers Land Duncan Robinson In Easy Trade Scenario
The first trade scenario involves the Lakers acquiring Duncan Robinson, a career 40.0% shooter from three. Since the Miami Heat traded for Terry Rozier who is due to make over $24,924,126 next season, they could be in the mix for another deal to free up their roster and add new pieces.
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Duncan Robinson
Miami Heat Receive: Rui Hachimura, Max Christie, 2029 First-Round Pick
In this first trade scenario, the Los Angeles Lakers acquire Duncan Robinson from the Miami Heat in exchange for Rui Hachimura, Max Christie, and a 2029 First-Round Pick. From the Lakers’ perspective, this trade is a major one to provide LeBron James with the supporting cast he needs. Robinson, known for his exceptional three-point shooting (career 40.0%), would bring a valuable skill set to the Lakers, boosting their offensive firepower. At nearly 30 years old, Robinson is currently enjoying a career-high average of 13.7 points per game with a remarkable 41.1% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc.
With the confidence to attempt 7.0 threes per game, Robinson’s addition could make him a major impact player alongside James and Anthony Davis. Furthermore, Robinson’s playoff experience, having made two Finals appearances with the Miami Heat, adds a valuable element to the Lakers’ roster. The Heat’s willingness to part with Robinson may stem from the need to clear cap space following their acquisition of Terry Rozier.
In return, Miami receives Rui Hachimura, a younger player at 25, and a 2029 First-Round Pick, replenishing the pick they sent to Charlotte to acquire Rozier. Overall, this proposed trade could be a win-win scenario, although it greatly strengthens the Lakers’ championship aspirations because the first step to fixing their offense is by adding shooters.
Lakers Land Bojan Bogdanovic For Package Around Austin Reaves
The second trade scenario sees sharpshooter and veteran Bojan Bogdanovic leave a sinking situation with the Detroit Pistons and join a title contender. Bogdanovic is an excellent two-way player who would provide just what the Lakers need this season for a deep playoff run.
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Bojan Bogdanovic
Detroit Pistons Receive: Austin Reaves, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Jaxson Hayes
The second major trade scenario sees the Lakers acquiring swingman Bojan Bogdanovic from the Detroit Pistons. The trade seems to be a strategic move for the Lakers to bolster their offensive capabilities, addressing their need for improved scoring. Bogdanovic, currently playing for the struggling Pistons with a 5-39 record, is amidst a standout individual season.
Averaging 19.5 points and 3.5 rebounds per game, he has proven to be a prolific scorer. His impressive shooting proficiency, particularly at 41.1% from three-point range, makes him a valuable asset for the Lakers who are seeking reliable outside shooters. Additionally, Bogdanovic brings solid defensive skills, size, and toughness to the Lakers’ roster which will always help.
The rationale behind the Pistons’ willingness to part with Bogdanovic may be influenced by their current rebuilding phase and the need to tank the rest of the season. At 34 years old, Bogdanovic may not align with the Pistons’ long-term plans, meaning they would be willing to acquire the 25-year-old Austin Reaves. For the Lakers, the acquisition of Bogdanovic addresses their immediate scoring needs.
With an average of 7.2 three-point attempts per game, Bogdanovic’s confident shooting could provide the Lakers with a significant offensive boost. With another veteran sharpshooter who is also known for his defense, the Lakers could be on their way to building a far more competitive team as they look to boost their record far above .500.
Lakers Starting Lineup
D’Angelo Russell, Duncan Robinson, Bojan Bogdanovic, LeBron James, Anthony Davis
The proposed new starting lineup for the Los Angeles Lakers featuring D’Angelo Russell, Duncan Robinson, Bojan Bogdanovic, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis represents a significant upgrade, particularly in addressing the team’s shooting deficiencies. The addition of Duncan Robinson and Bojan Bogdanovic, both accomplished shooters with percentages above 40% from three-point range, addresses one of the key criticisms raised by Paul George about the Lakers being too easy to defend.
With Russell as the primary ball-handler (6.2 APG), the Lakers now have a dynamic playmaker who can create scoring opportunities for his teammates. Duncan Robinson’s exceptional three-point shooting, attempting 7.0 threes per game with a 41.1% accuracy, and Bojan Bogdanovic’s scoring prowess averaging 19.5 points per game, add a new dimension to the team’s offense. This revamped starting lineup provides LeBron James and Anthony Davis with the necessary floor spacing and shooting threats to make them more formidable in the half-court offense.
The experienced presence of both Robinson and Bogdanovic, who have playoff experience, brings a level of versatility and poise to the lineup. The Lakers now can spread the floor effectively, making it challenging for opposing defenses to focus solely on James and Davis. This improved shooting dynamic not only enhances the team’s offensive efficiency but also opens up opportunities for ball movement and player collaboration.
The combination of D’Angelo Russell’s playmaking, the sharpshooting abilities of Robinson and Bogdanovic, and the established duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis creates a well-balanced and potent starting lineup. The Lakers’ ability to have four players shooting over 39% from three around Davis makes them a dominant force in the Western Conference. With these strategic trades, the Lakers are well-positioned to make another deep playoff run and contend for a spot in the Western Conference Finals just as they did last year.
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