Why The Lakers Need to Do Everything They Can This Offseason.
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It is apparent that the Los Angeles Lakers have had their struggles as of last season. The team had a very tough time meshing together and trying to make a deep run in the playoffs. Many jokes were made about the Lakers trying to bring together some older players and form what they called a “Super team”. With the very underwhelming performance of Russell Westbrook last season, and the constant injuries of all-star forward Anthony Davis, the Lakers have some big changes to make in free agency if they want to still have a title chance with Lebron James.
Option 1: Sign and Trade Russell Westbrook:
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Despite his recently slump, Russell Westbrook is still a generational talent that could still help a team reach greatness. The Brooklyn Nets may potentially be parting ways with their franchise point guard Kyrie Irving.
Shams Charania said, “Nets are at impasse in conversations about his future in Brooklyn, clearing way for the seven-time all-star to consider open market.”
Westbrook and Kyrie could both be involved in a sign-and-trade that would send each of them to a new location where they can each have new roles and more of an impact. For Brooklyn, this could give the nets a chance to trade for a big man like Rudy Gobert or even sign Deandre Ayton. Now they would be reunited Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant while adding a high level big man talent.
Option 2: Part Ways With Anthony Davis:
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Injuries have always seemed to be a problem with Anthony Davis. Ever since entering the league, Davis has been a dominant force on both the offensive and defensive end, averaging 23.8 points per game along with 10.2 rebounds per game for his career. Davis has been in Los Angeles since 2019. The duo of Davis and Lebron has been one that everyone would say is enjoyable to watch when healthy. Recently, a video surfaced of Davis saying “I haven’t touched a basketball since April.” Which has had the fan universe in a panic right away and fearing that he will not be the same player when coming back.
The Lakers, if looking for a reface of the franchise they could look to trade Anthony Davis to a team like the Utah Jazz. Where they could get former defensive player of the year Rudy Gobert who would be an elite paint protector and a great guy for the pick and roll with Lebron James. Gobert, being a durable guy would really help lead the Lakers if others fall to injuries and cant compete at a high enough level.
Option 3: Seek Help from the dRAFT:
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Despite these players being at such a young age. Rookies can have a significant impact to a franchise that needs that extra spark to get through in the playoffs. Having the assets that the Lakers currently have, if they have their eye on a prospect that they believe could strengthen them. Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook, Malik Monk. These are all assets that can help push the lakers into the draft up to select a generation type talent player.
Overall the Lakers need to seek help to save the status of the franchise. There are many different options for them to have but if none are executed they could finish this season similar to last which was very underwhelming.
Sources: NBA.com, Baskeball Reference
