The Boston Celtics are the defending champions and have only lost three games, looking stellar while injured. Meanwhile, another season, another underwhelming roster for the Los Angeles Lakers is raising several question marks.
Once again, few wins against true contenders, poor shooting, poor defense, and a lackluster supporting cast plague the purple and gold.
With improvements unquestionably necessary, GM Rob Pelinka must be active in order for this team to seriously contend.
In terms of tradable assets, D’Angelo Russell, 2025 and 2026 first-round picks, Max Christie, and Jalen Hood-Schifino are a few that come to mind. As currently constructed, this roster for the Los Angeles Lakers is not meeting the gold standard.
There have been bright spots thus far, with MVP-caliber starts from star Forward Anthony Davis along with the same quality production from superstar Lebron James even as he nears 40 years of age.
Also Read: Promising Los Angeles Lakers Rumors on Trade Aggressiveness, Trade Candidates
New Head Coach JJ Redick has shown hunger, sternness, and drive in his first 20 games.
Rookie guard Dalton Knecht has been amongst the talk of this year’s rookie class, scoring 20 points in the team’s loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder Friday night. The Lakers failed to score 100 points in the 8-point loss at home.
Outside of these three, there has not been much positive and consistent production from others on the roster.
Another succinct scorer along with a sturdy big man would largely help the team as they make a playoff run.
Pelinka will have to execute his job description and decide who is expendable and who helps the team win now.
The Brooklyn Nets and Chicago Bulls have both made it known that their respective rosters are available for trade.
Chicago Bulls Trade Scenarios For Los Angeles Lakers
Bulls guard Zach LaVine has been in the Lakers’ sights in previous seasons but the question of assets has prevented and could still impede the former UCLA guard from returning to Los Angeles.
The most important constituent around James and Davis is arguably shooting. Lavine has shot over 40% from three so far this season.
Another adroit addition would be size next to them, as the 2020 team included, but as of late these strategic concepts seem abstruse to Pelinka with the lack of effective moves by the front office.
Another dream addition from the same roster would be true center Nikola Vucevic. Davis has repeatedly stated he wants to play power forward next to a center. Vuc is averaging 20 and 10 while the Los Angeles Lakers rank near dead last in rebounds per game, currently. Besides, he could help defend another center named Nikola who has given the Lakers plenty of trouble in recent years.
Other Potential Options For Lakers
For the Brooklyn Nets, Cam Thomas or Cam Johnson would certainly boost LA’s roster.
Scoring machine Thomas is averaging well over 20 points a game while shooting well over 40%.
6’8” Johnson could help the wing defense this team desperately needs.
The Portland Trail Blazers are another team with available players but center Rob Williams has dealt with plenty of injuries and the last thing the Los Angeles Lakers need is another injury-prone player.
Also Read: Dalton Knecht Was A Strategic Pick For The Los Angeles Lakers
Speaking of big men, young center Jaxson Hayes has joined Christian Wood and Jarred Vanderbilt on the injury report. The team’s next opponent, the Utah Jazz, has a young center that would fit next to AD as well in Walker Kessler.
Not building a strong roster around the prowess of the team’s brilliant superstars feels like taking the aging James for granted. With too much of the load still on him, LA faithful are dreaming of help in the place where dreams are made.
The mindset approaching the early February trade deadline must be “win now”, anything less than banners is disappointing in La La Land.