Despite being the subject of numerous trade rumours, it appears that the Los Angeles Lakers will stick with their core as the deadline draws near.
“The likelihood that the Lakers stand pat or make a marginal move has somewhat increased in recent days, according to team and league sources,” Jovan Buha, the Lakers insider for The Athletic, said this morning.
Trade rumours have been circulating about every Laker who isn’t LeBron James or Anthony Davis, as the Lakers haven’t been able to build on their NBA In-Season Tournament victory. Since then, LA has gone 13-16 and is at 27-25, good for ninth place in the Western Conference.
James has been pressuring the front desk in public.
Following the Lakers’ defeat over the Atlanta Hawks 122-138 on the previous week, the 39-year-old shared an extensively talked-about hour-glass emoji on X.
But the Lakers have won three straight games—all away—since that post.
The Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell-led Lakers pulled off a very unlikely road victory against the Boston Celtics with both James and Davis sidelined. They then defeated the flamboyant New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, with both James and Davis in the lineup this time.
Lakers Exchange Opportunities
Without a question, the most well-known person associated with the Purple and Gold is Dejounte Murray. “As long as the Lakers don’t have to empty the cupboard beyond their initial offer of Russell, Jalen Hood-Schifino, the 2029 first-round pick (preferably protected), and additional draft compensation,” LA is still interested in the former All-Star.
Even though LA might not get a star, they will hunt hard for a wing defender.
After being acquired at the deadline in the Russell Westbrook trade last season, Jarred Vanderbilt has established himself as the team’s starting perimeter defender. He will be sidelined for at least four weeks due to a recent sprain to his right foot.
According to Buha, the Lakers may make a bid for one of the several available defensive wings on the trade market this season.
“Dorian Finney-Smith, Jerami Grant and Bruce Brown Jr. are others who fill important needs on the wing, according to team and league sources. Otherwise, the Lakers will likely make a move along the margins, possibly shedding some salary in the process, and then work the buyout market for a player or two.”
Outlook for the Lakers in the Western Conference
Through a series of manoeuvres, Pelinka turned the Lakers from pretenders to contenders by winning the trade deadline the previous season. He has to determine whether Los Angeles has enough players to win in the congested Western Conference.
With the Los Angeles Clippers and the Nuggets, two familiar rivals, ready to challenge for the championship, the West is even more formidable this year.
Although the Phoenix Suns have been inconsistent this season, a team with Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal is difficult to discount.
Not to be overlooked are the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are currently ranked first and second in the West.