The Los Angeles Lakers are still reeling from their first-round loss.
And now, according to sources, the Lakers are growing increasingly concerned that their Championship window has already closed.
So, with LeBron growing older and Anthony Davis’ durability still unreliable, this offseason will be crucial for the Lakeshow.
Among a number of available options, reports indicate part of their plan may be a trade for Kings guard Buddy Hield.
Multiple reports have indicated that the Lakers are interested in a deal for Buddy, and with fewer than 24 hours until the 2021 draft, multiple league sources say Los Angeles has stepped up their efforts by adding the no. 22 pick to a deal that’d include Montrezl Harrell and Kyle Kuzma or Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Hield to L.A. now has real traction, which would give the Lakers what they need: shooting. Elite shooting. Since Hield entered the league in 2016-17, only him, Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Duncan Robinson have averaged higher than 40 percent from 3 on more than seven attempts per game. Last season, the Lakers ranked 21st in 3-point percentage and 24th in 3-point attempts per game. Now Hield could be a floor-spacing weapon with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. That’s why the Lakers want him.
DEVELOPING: The Lakers are “stepping up” their efforts to map a trade that would land them Buddy Hield, sending Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, and the No. 22 pick to the Kings, via @KevinOConnorNBA.
— Fadeaway World (@FadeawayWorld) July 29, 2021
As a young, sharpshooting guard, Hield is exactly the type of player the Lakers have been looking to get their hands on.
He’d be an ideal fit next to LeBron James and gives them much-needed depth at the wing. To get him in return for two guys who aren’t really a part of their rotation makes almost too much sense for the franchise.
But it remains to be seen if the Kings will accept their offer and if Hield is truly who the Lakers need to put them back over the top.
Last season, he averaged 16 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game on 40.6% shooting.
