Lakers Trade Rumours: LA Looks To Strengthen Roster For Playoff Push With Drummond And
The Los Angeles Lakers, who are now 22-22 on the season, just defeated the Portland Trail Blazers. They now have the ninth-best ranking in the Western Conference, and as the trade deadline draws near, we anticipate more activity from them.
The Lakers have also thought about trading for players who could fill specific roles in a potential playoff matchup, like Andre Drummond of the Bulls, sources told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. This is in anticipation of a postseason rematch with the Denver Nuggets and their formidable front line of Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon. In an attempt to neutralise Paul George and Kawhi Leonard in a playoff series against the Clippers, Los Angeles might target the big wing of the Brooklyn Nets, Dorian Finney-Smith.
The Lakers have been pursuing a lot of players because of their struggles this year. There are rumours that they are also trying to bolster their roster with fresh players.
In the previous NBA season, the Denver Nuggets emerged victorious against the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals. The Lakers are interested in Andre Drummond, a two-time NBA All-Star who is now with the Chicago Bulls.
He plays every game for the Bulls without missing a beat, averaging 7.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.2 steals. He has a 54.8 shooting percentage while he is on the field. He put on a strong effort in a game against the Memphis Grizzlies, with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 steals.
He finished with 21 points and 15 rebounds in a different game against the Charlotte Hornets. He also participated in games with the Lakers team in 2021. He averaged 11.9 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game throughout that period.
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Rumours Around the Lakers: Will They Remain Put for a Summer Comeback.
With the NBA trade deadline officially in two weeks, many people are still unsure of what the Los Angeles Lakers will do when important players start to be transferred. Dave McMenamin of ESPN has written on the team’s mindset before the craziness in February. He listed three possible future paths for the Lakers, one of which included a significant, if delayed, transfer.
NBA Rumours: Is It Possible for the Lakers to Make a Summer Expansion?
Background Although Lakers supporters will undoubtedly hope and pray for another season-saving deal, head coach Darvin Ham seems to be resisting the notion, according to McMenamin:
We are aware that AD and Bron pack a formidable 1-2 punch. And it’s simply the men being assertive and at ease rather than depending on those two guys to take care of everything. Participate, provide assistance, but don’t forget to pose a menace as well. Take your time. Make a decision. In order to assist in providing those men with the necessary assistance.
The Lakers have looked at a number of options to become better, according to McMenamin, from switching up the lineup and moving for Dejounte Murray to making lesser transactions to take care of more pressing issues. Regarding the latter, he said that Bruce Brown, Dennis Schröder, Andre Drummond, and Dorian Finney-Smith have all garnered interest from LA.
The Most Recent on the Lakers’ Goals for the Offseason
Given the current state of the Lakers’ performance, it seems sense that many would desire to see the squad remain together. The Lakers haven’t been able to play to their full ability because of injuries. When it comes to selecting his starting lineup, Darvin Ham also seems to be maturing. The Lakers will also have to decide what to do with D’Angelo Russell, who has been playing excellent basketball over the last week, as previously mentioned:
“The Lakers doubt they’ll be able to find any player to fully complement James and Davis the way Russell’s offensive court awareness and floor spacing does in a one-for-one deal,” club sources told ESPN.
Russell’s recent performance has been better, thus it will soon be evident whether this trend will help him remain on the team or if it is only increasing his trade value.
Letting things go is apparently part of the Lakers’ bigger picture plan to acquire a “bona fide star” in a blockbuster summer trade, such as Donovan Mitchell or Trae Young.
Theoretically, the concept makes sense. This summer, LA will be able to trade three first-round selections: two of their own in 2029 and 2031, plus one of the choices obtained via New Orleans in 2024 or 2025. Adding the increased funding to Russell and Rui Hachimura’s wages might be sufficient to make them contenders for a third star, similar to Young or Mitchell. Although there has been much discussion about whether or not they need another star, their circumstances are comparable. Super gifted players Young and Mitchell are both confined to rebuilding Eastern Conference clubs. It may be worthwhile if the Lakers had even a remote chance of making the playoffs.
Lakers Preparing for Life After LeBron James?
In light of LeBron James’s contract situation—a player option in 2024—and the possibility that his son Bronny could declare for the draft this summer, the Lakers will need to secure their future this summer. They just cannot afford to wait any longer, particularly in light of James’s uncertain future. This kind of action could be exactly what they need, even if LeBron decides against it.
However, there is a good deal of danger if the Lakers remain in their current position and fail to advance while conference rivals succeed. Still, by presenting this alternative, they’re also being astute. If LeBron departs this summer, the team’s core may be able to make it without him. However, it is preferable to be safe than sorry. The Lakers should position themselves to make another win-now play if they don’t take any big action right away to relieve Anthony Davis of his workload.
It’s evident that choosing between these two ways to improve the Lakers is a two-edged sword, but neither is inherently bad.
Final Thoughts on the Lakers: Is Staying Put the Correct Decision?
All things considered, the Lakers need to pursue these talks as far as possible before thinking about making a deal for a third star. It would be a mistake for the club to pass on guys that may be useful to them this season unless the squad as it now stands can improve things. This summer, the Lakers should have a great season if all else fails. They have to make the most of their current momentum while it lasts, whether that means moving things about or keeping the same.
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