The Los Angeles Lakers are 14-13 through the first 27 games of the season. Given that this group came into the year with title aspirations, to say that they have underperformed would be an understatement.
Fortunately, given that the season is only about a third of the way done, there is still time to right the ship.
As presently constructed, LA cannot win a title. Trades need to be made.
And it appears the front office has an eye on a pair of big ones that could radically alter the trajectory of the team’s current campaign.
Both prospective deals involve the Indiana Pacers, who are preparing for a massive rebuild.
According to J. Michael of the Indianapolis Star, the Lakers have legitimate interest in Jeremy Lamb. Although specific names involved in this deal have yet to emerge, in order to make the numbers work LA would need to send out a second round pick, Kendrick Nunn and someone like Kent Bazemore or Avery Bradley. Maybe both.
In return, the Lakers would receive a 37.1 percent three-point shooter who previously played with Russell Westbrook on the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2012 to 2015.
Beyond that, the Lakers are also being mentioned as a possible suitor for big man Myles Turner.
“I’ve heard there’s been some talks with the Lakers, previously Charlotte checked in several times,” Pacers insider Scott Agness said this week.
Turner could help LA in two big ways. One, he is an incredible shot blocker. He currently leads the league with 2.7 per game. Two, he is also a shockingly good three-point shooter. He is shooting just under 40 percent this season on 4.7 attempts per game.
That’s one way to deal with trade rumors. https://t.co/B19VDsIJ7S
— Game 7 (@game7__) December 11, 2021
Between these two potential trades and a potential blockbuster three-teamer involving Ben Simmons, the Lakers seem to have a decent amount of options to improve the roster.
Will they ultimately be able to get something done? Time will tell.
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A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
