The Los Angeles Lakers are looking at a familiar name ahead of the upcoming trade deadline. According to NBA insider Jovan Buha, veteran point guard Lonzo Ball is on the Lakers’ radar and has emerged as an interesting potential trade target.
“I think Lonzo [Ball] is someone that’s going to be on their radar. And I think depending on the price, if you could get him for a second or two seconds, I think that’s an interesting swing. And also someone with that six-foot-six frame that could potentially be similar to Bruce Bruce Brown and check a couple of boxes where he’s bulked up a little bit throughout his career so he can guard, I think twos and even some smaller threes. He’s an interesting hybrid for them.”
At 23-18 this season, the Lakers are in desperate need of a boost to help stay in the top six in the West. Earlier this season, they traded D’Angelo Russell to the Nets in exchange for Shake Milton and Dorian Finney-Smith and it’s already having an impact on their season. But with weeks to go before the deadline, there are other players the Lakers could pursue, like Robert Williams III and Kyle Kuzma. For now, however, Lonzo Ball is at the top of the list.
The 27-year-old point guard from Chino Hills was a former Laker for his first two years in the league before an offseason trade to the Pelicans set him on a different path. Since 2020 and beyond, Ball has dealt with countless injuries that have jeopardized his entire career.
Currently, Lonzo is back on the court after two full seasons in recovery and he’s slowly working his way back into shape with averages of 6.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game on 36.5% shooting. His role has been relatively minor with the Bulls but he’s showing enough to warrant serious interest in a reunion from the Lakers.
Even in his current form, Lonzo can provide a major spark for the Lakers’ backcourt. His ball handling and perimeter defense would make a great addition to the bench alongside Gabe Vincent, Jaxson Hayes, and Dorian Finney-Smith.
Not only would Lonzo’s return make a great addition to the Lakers roster, but it would also be a great story for the fans. To root for Lonzo (a former Laker) after he’s been through so much would be a wholesome moment that many fans would cherish.
The only question now is, do the Lakers have enough to trade for Lonzo? While the Bulls may be open to trading Lonzo, he won’t come cheap and the Lakers don’t have much to offer after their latest trade bargain.
But with LeBron James and Anthony Davis growing “concerned” over the team’s lack of urgency to improve, it has put pressure on the organization to take a risk and give up whatever they have left in pursuit of one last title push. Whether it’s Lonzo Ball or someone else entirely (like Dorian Finney-Smith) we can expect the Lakers to make another move before it’s too late.
The next game for the Lakers is tomorrow, January 23rd, against the Boston Celtics at the Crypto.com arena. On Saturday, January 25th, the Lakers play the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center at 8:30 PM EST before a game against the Charlotte Hornets on Monday, January 27th, at 7:00 PM EST.
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