Lakers’ NBA Trade Deadline Blueprint for 2024
As long as LeBron James and Anthony Davis wear purple and gold, the Los Angeles Lakers will always be deserving of at least a passing
But between now and the trade deadline on February 8, this roster needs a makeover if it is to have any real influence on the championship race. They do not necessarily need to aim for the stars, but they should have a long list of things they want. They have a sub-.500 record going into Wednesday night, but they still have championship hopes. Those two things are incompatible.
A rival player told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, “It is just too much on Bron right now.” “Because they need a lot, everyone will just pack the paint and try to irritate him. Playmaking, shooting, and speed.”
The Lakers may require a road map to get through the hectic trade season that lies ahead given the abundance of avenues for growth. This three-phase plan can assist in getting things started.
1. Track down gunmen
ONE OF THREE
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 09: Buddy Hield #7 of the Indiana Pacers and Max Christie #10 of the Los Angeles Lakers drive during the first quarter of the NBA In-Season Tournament championship game at T-Mobile Arena on December 09, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Lakers won 123–109 against the Pacers. REMEMBER ME, USER: By downloading and/or using this photo, the user specifically understands and accepts that the user is agreeing to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Image via Getty Images/Ethan Miller)
Getty Images/Ethan Miller
Teams need to rank in the top 10 for both offense and defense in hoops history in order to win the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy. According to NBA.com, L.A.’s 22nd-ranked offense is far from where it needs to be, but its 13th-ranked defense is getting close to that mark.
The Lakers need to. find more shooting if they want this attack to progress further.
The pressure that James and Davis can inflict on an opposing defense makes this group potentially unstoppable on a well-spaced floor. Sadly, Los Angeles just does not have that. The Lakers rank twenty-eighth in three-point percentage (35.7), thirty-first in three-point attempts (30.4), and twenty-eighth in three-point makes (10.9 per game).
This is a scratch that the front office needs to make. If this offense does not reach championship-level, it is difficult to see it ever getting there.
