Since winning the NBA in-season tournament, the Los Angeles Lakers have been tumbling. They have lost 10 of their last 14 games and have fallen from fourth place to 10th place in the Western Conference, which puts them in danger of not making the play-in tournament.
Last summer, few thought they would be in this situation, barring major injuries. But this is the reality, and a big question seems to be what type of trade, if any, should they make.
The Lakers’ two biggest rumored trade targets are the Chicago Bulls’ Zach LaVine and Atlanta Hawks star Dejounte Murray. However, getting either guard would cost the Lakers plenty, and it may require giving up Austin Reaves, who seems all but untouchable.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reports the team is reluctant to make a big trade, partly because it believes in its current core.
Via ESPN:
“The Lakers don’t want to have to make a big move, they prefer to retain their depth and the one last first-rounder they’re allowed to trade. They sure don’t want to trade Reaves and his good contract or trade three players for one like they did with Westbrook. They believe in the formula they have, which is a cadre of long defenders supporting future Hall of Famers. Yes, they can’t shoot and it’s a problem. Yes, their defense has fallen off and it’s a problem. But if they end up doing something significant, it will probably be kicking and screaming. Keep that in mind when evaluating your visits to the trade machine.”
In particular, LaVine would be a questionable get because plenty believe he wouldn’t fit in offensively alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Even worse, he’s a poor defender and he will make over $40 million this season and in each of the next three seasons.
Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported just a few days ago that the Lakers are hesitant to take over LaVine’s big contract.
Two other prominent reporters agree
On his “The Lowe Post” podcast, Zach Lowe talked with Dave McMenamin, who covers the Lakers for ESPN, and he had a similar message (h/t Silver Screen and Roll).
“I thought Brian Windhorst put it very well today … on ESPN.com where he said something to the effect of ‘The Lakers, if they make a trade, it will be kicking and screaming.’ I think that’s accurate. I’ve never got the sense they want to make a trade. I’ve never got the sense they’re particularly excited about the prospect of adding Zach LaVine to their team at whatever cost, adding a third massive salary potentially alongside LeBron and AD. They do like the players they signed in the offseason and re-signed in the offseason. They like the idea of continuity.”
Overall, the Lakers have a very good core, especially since James, even at age 39, is still playing at an MVP level. They may simply need one or two more serviceable role players who can hit 3-pointers, as well as sustained good health, to fully claw their way into the Western Conference’s top six.
