The Los Angeles Lakers might use a gifted, offensive-minded wing who can maintain his personal defensively.
Purchase established New Orleans Pelicans would assist the Lakers transfer ahead as a franchise.
“(CJ) McCollum, 33, is within the second 12 months of a two-year, $63.9 million contract, incomes $33.3 million this season, with $30.6 million slated for 2024 -25,” wrote Julian Ojeda of Clutch Factors on Friday.
“In 15 video games this season, McCollum is averaging 20.9 factors, 3.9 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals per sport whereas taking pictures 43.6 % from the sector and 32.5 % at three factors.”
“Recognized for his scoring skill, McCollum can also be thought-about a robust defender, which provides to his enchantment to groups searching for a two-way contributor.”
“The Los Angeles Lakers and Orlando Magic are two groups recognized by Siegel as potential suitors for McCollum.”
“The Lakers, with a 15-12 file, are energetic in commerce discussions as they goal to bolster their roster earlier than the Feb. 6 commerce deadline.”
“They prioritized three wants: a defensive-minded middle, a 3-and-D wing, and a guard with defensive capabilities on the level of assault.”
“Though McCollum is 6-foot-3 and never a standard defensive stopper, his skill to successfully guard opposing guards and his offensive versatility make him a logical alternative alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.”
“To facilitate a commerce, the Lakers would seemingly must half methods with D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura to match McCollum’s wage. Russell is within the closing 12 months of a two-year, $18.6 million contract.
“Hachimura, in the meantime, signed a three-year, $51 million contract, incomes $17 million this season and $18.2 million in his closing 12 months throughout the 2025-26 season.”
“A bundle involving these contracts would match McCollum’s $33.3 million wage for this season.”
The Pelicans are slipping again after a profitable 2023-24 marketing campaign, however McCollum continued to showcase his pure taking pictures skill and hard-hitting on-ball protection in New Orleans.
The Lehigh product is connecting on lower than 34 % of his triples this season, however he’s a confirmed long-range risk recognized for his space-creating dribble on the perimeter.
With the Lakers prepared to maneuver on from Russell, McCollum might be concerned in a large commerce with Los Angeles this season.
Extra NBA: Pelicans might minimize ties with Brandon Ingram in favor of former Warriors famous person wing
