The Los Angeles Lakers may be starting to rediscover their mojo. They have won five of their last six games following a hard-earned 105-104 victory over the Houston Rockets on Sunday.
They have an 8-6 record and may be clawing their way up the Western Conference standings. But the rumor mill has been filled with speculation they may look to reload in the coming weeks by taking advantage of a fire sale the Chicago Bulls may hold soon.
The big rumor has been Los Angeles is interested in two-time All-Star Zach LaVine. But NBA insider Marc Stein poured some cold water on that rumor, at least for now (h/t Lakers Daily).
Via Marc Stein Substack:
“Philadelphia’s interest in LaVine has been overstated, as covered here, while I’ve been advised that the Lakers’ reported interest at this early juncture of the season is best described (at most) as TBD,” wrote Stein.
Stein also added the Lakers’ focus right now is on getting Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent, two of their best defenders, back from injury to improve from within.
“I’m told the Lakers, at present, are focused on internal improvement, hopeful that getting Jarred Vanderbilt (who is ineligible to be traded this season after signing an extension with the Lakers in September) and Vincent back on the floor regularly will give them a meaningful boost,” Stein wrote.
The team has had issues defensively to start the year, but it may be improving on that end of the floor. It has allowed 110 points or fewer in four of its last five games, and its defensive rebounding, which had been a major problem, has gotten better of late.
