With seven defeats in its final 9 matches, the Los Angeles Lakers are largely dropping the great momentum and vibes they constructed over the primary month or so of the season. They completely must cease the bleeding, however now many really feel doomed to, at finest, being a borderline play-in event staff.
They maintain a 12-11 file after dropping in time beyond regulation to the Atlanta Hawks on Friday. Whereas the highest of their squad appears fairly strong, it shortly dwindles after their 4 or 5 finest gamers.
Los Angeles wants a powerful, succesful backup heart and extra depth on the wings and forwards, particularly with Jarred Vanderbilt’s return date continuously pushed again. NBA insider Jake Fischer wrote that quite than in search of a respectable third star, the staff would look to enhance its frontcourt protection and perimeter on the commerce market (h/t Lakers every day).
Through Understack by Marc Stein:
“All credible indicators circulating concerning the Lakers counsel that Los Angeles is trying to strengthen its frontcourt and add perimeter protection to assist LeBron James and Anthony Davis,” Fischer wrote.
Just a few names which have been talked about as commerce targets for the Lakers are Jonas Valanciunas, Walker Kessler and Dorian Finney-Smith. They lack athleticism and efficient protection on the perimeter, and once they go to the bench, they lack size on the ahead positions.
As for Vanderbilt, pessimism is rising that he’ll return any time quickly. He suffered a midfoot sprain halfway via final season and hasn’t performed since, however he is an environment friendly, versatile defender who might help on the boards and supply some general vitality.
This text was initially revealed on LeBron Wire: An NBA insider on what the Lakers need to enhance by way of the commerce market
