With an uneventful and disappointing summer for the The Los Angeles Lakers is starting to run out of steam, it is clear that they need to do something to take a step or two forward and maximise what may be left of LeBron James‘ prime.
They need perimeter defense, 3-point shooting and ideally an upgrade from the starting point guard. D’Angelo Russellwho is often a lethal player but always seems to underperform in the playoffs and is weak defensively. They likely have very few realistic trade targets, but Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus suggested a creative solution: Marcus Smart of the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Grizzlies lost last season due to a massive run of injuries. They are expected to return to being a playoff team, if not a contender, next season, but Pincus still thinks there is a chance Smart will be available.
Via Bleacher Report:
“The Grizzlies are hoping to put a dismal 2023-24 season behind them and resume their playoff run. The team went from 51 wins to 27 with injuries and off-court issues (particularly with the star point guard) Yes Morant),” writes Pincus.
“With that in mind, Smart is currently unavailable. But if the team hits a roadblock, Smart could become available at the deadline based on his age, salary and position, as the team has invested heavily in Desmond Bane and Morant. Jaren Jackson Jr. A new agreement will also be in force from 2026-27.
“It’s too early to assess the asking price, but Russell’s expiring contract plus Hood Schifino currently functions as a two-team trade without subjecting Memphis to the luxury tax.”
Smart has never been a good three-point shooter, or even an average one, and he has a career shooting accuracy of 38.8 percent from the field. He has also been somewhat injury-prone over the years.
But the old one Boston Celtics James has been named to the All-Defensive First Team three times and was named Defensive Player of the Year for the 2021-22 season. He also has a career average of 4.6 assists per game, so he could be able to help James with his ball-handling duties.
At this point, there is no ideal trade target for the Lakers. They are likely desperate to make something happen, and the rest of the NBA knows it.
This article was originally published on LeBron Wire: B/R Reporter Suggests Lakers Trade For Former Celtics Starter
