An analyst has outlined the reasons the Lakers are in urgent need of completing this trade.
The Los Angeles Lakers are among the small group of NBA contenders that are in urgent need of roster improvements.
With the trade deadline drawing closer, speculation, mock deals and player rumors are ramping up — and the Lakers remain right in the spotlight.
The Athletic’s Sam Amick recently examined five teams that he believes must make a move before the deadline, and Los Angeles was firmly on that list.
“Rich Paul was correct when he said earlier this month on his ‘Game Over’ podcast with Max Kellerman that the Lakers, as they’re currently built, can’t be considered true contenders,” Amick wrote. “And while the source of the message was unconventional — given that he’s LeBron James’ longtime agent — that doesn’t make the point wrong. Anyone who witnessed their downturn in December could clearly see it.”
What’s the solution?
The Lakers’ most obvious weaknesses lie in two areas of their depth: perimeter shooting and defense. So how does Amick believe those issues should be addressed?
“When healthy, the chances of Dončić, Reaves and James forming a reliable perimeter defense are extremely low,” he explained. “That raises the question of whether president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka can acquire someone like New Orleans’ Herb Jones (who isn’t currently thought to be available), Derrick Jones (at the right cost), or Ellis (under similar conditions) to help fix that problem.
“And while he’s at it, perhaps he could also explore a reunion between Dončić and Gafford, the Mavericks center who complemented him so well during their time together in Dallas.”
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