The Lakers have a chance to land a third star but they have to navigate the roster and this allocation explains that.
The Los Angeles Lakers have the hype behind them, but lack the right talent mix to realistically succeed in the Western Conference.
They are currently 5-5 and have no chance of matching the Denver Nuggets, who are considered heavy favorites to make the Finals again, while the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns may have more talent over time than purple and gold.
If the Lakers want to make a move, they have to consider that the majority of their roster is now occupied.
The majority of players are facing trade restrictions (until December 15 and even January 15), so Lakers fans need to be patient until Christmas and possibly longer.
.
Fortunately, most of the Lakers’ players can be traded between now and then and there is flexibility in roster construction, except during certain deadlines.
The only untouchable players would have to be LeBron James, Anthony Davis (trade restrictions lifted on February 6 but won’t be traded anyway) and Jarred Vanderbilt, who just signed a multiple extension years (cannot be traded) and is only 24 years old.
with elite defense.
potential.
This means the rest of the team could be moved around in an effort to bring in a third star for the Lakers and make the most of LeBron’s presence on the team.
With The King approaching 39 years old and the Western Conference becoming more and more competitive, it’s time to break down how the Lakers could reasonably move forward before the February trade deadline.
It won’t be easy to build a title-contending team in Los Angeles, but Rob Pelinka has some options to consider.
Here’s a breakdown of which Lakers could be traded and which picks could be targeted ASAP.
Players can be physically traded for D’Angelo Russell (trades are restricted until December 15th)
D’Angelo Russell, now 27 years old, is a talented defender who had a breakout All-Star season in 2019.
Known for his offensive prowess, scoring ability and playmaking ability, Russell making him a valuable asset on the field.
However, his previous time with the Lakers did not reach his full potential, partly due to the pressure from the bright lights of Los Angeles.
In the current season, Russell contributes 17.
3 points per game and shows off his ball skills with 6.
9 assists.
His three-point shooting percentage may be lower than desired (28.
6%), but his overall offensive versatility remains a key asset.
Russell’s trade restrictions until December 15 add a layer of complexity to potential trades, but he’s worth a decent salary ($17,307,693 in 2023, $18,692,307 player option play in 2024).
However, as the Lakers explore trade options, Russell’s young years and offensive ability make him an attractive asset.
The idea of ​​trading him for established All-Stars like Zach LaVine or DeMar DeRozan could bring new momentum to the Lakers roster.
Given that Russell still has several years of prime play ahead of him, teams looking for a younger star could find him an attractive trade target.
As the trade deadline approaches, keeping an eye on Russell’s potential moves could be crucial to the Lakers’ efforts to reshape their roster and improve their competitiveness in the league.
Rui Hachimura (Restricted transactions until January 15)
At 25 years old, Rui Hachimura has established himself as a talented scorer and defender with promising size (6’8″, 230 lbs) and potential.
As fans increasingly appreciate his Hachimura’s age is a key factor in making him an attractive commodity.
He has plenty of time.
to continue to develop and potentially become a true starter in the league.
Hachimura’s skill set, which combines scoring and defense, makes him a versatile player .
His age and potential make him an attractive asset for teams looking to build for the future.
The Lakers, when exploring potential trades, could use Hachimura as a key piece to land a more established and impactful player.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Lakers will need to carefully weigh Hachimura’s potential against the immediate impact an All-Star talent could have.
Hachimura’s salary, covering this season for the next three years, is as follows: $4,444,15,740,741, $17,000,000 and $18,259,259.
The decision to trade a promising young player like Hachimura will likely be influenced by the team’s long-term strategy as well as the team’s desire for immediate success, as the forward is averaging 12.
3 points and 4.
2 rebounds per game this season.
Austin Reaves (limited transactions until January 15)
His modest $2,709,849 salary and a player option of $3,036,040 for the next season make him a manageable asset in potential trade discussions.
Wood’s versatility in providing both scoring and rebounding could be appealing to teams seeking a frontcourt boost off the bench.
The Lakers, as they explore trade options, may see Wood as a valuable piece to include in deals depending on the available trade market.
His skill set and contract make him a flexible asset, especially when considering the financial aspects of team building.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Lakers will likely assess the landscape and determine if including Christian Wood in potential deals aligns with their roster-building strategy and immediate needs.
The right situation and trade partner could make Wood a valuable asset for the Lakers as they navigate the midseason trade landscape.
Orange Reddish (Limited transactions until December 15)
