The Los Angeles Lakers failed to land their top targets this offseason, even though LeBron James offered a pay cut to accommodate the move.
Klay Thompson signed with the Dallas Mavericks. DeMar DeRozan signed with the Sacramento Kings. Buddy Hield signed with the Golden State Warriors. However, despite their apparent bad luck, the Lakers probably haven’t given up hope yet. On the contrary, they’re biding their time. until an opportunity presents itself.
“The (Cleveland) Cavaliers have reinvested in Donovan Mitchell and could retain their core of Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, Mitchell and (Darius) Garland,” writes Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report. “If anything changes, the Lakers would undoubtedly be interested in the young point guard. The Lakers would view him as their core point guard, and the price would likely match LA’s two available first-round picks.”
Among the league’s best players at any position, Garland would likely be an upgrade over Lakers starting point guard D’Angelo Russell.
There are similarities between the two; both are top-tier passers in an era where point guards are more known for scoring. They are also shifty ball-handlers with a penchant for three-pointers. Yet Garland has been more efficient, shooting 45.7 percent from the field and 39.0 percent from three-point range over the past four seasons. For comparison, Russell has converted 44.3 percent of his shots and 38.4 percent of his three-pointers over that span.
However, the difference between the two may not be significant enough to justify the price. Plus, the Cavaliers have no incentive to trade for an older point guard on an expiring contract. With Russell not having what one would consider a stellar reputation, it will be difficult to lure him to other teams.
Still, with Russell struggling in the playoffs, he’s on the hot seat. Playing well in the regular season is commendable, but the Lakers are trying to win a championship. So, with his roller-coaster performance potentially posing a potential playoff trap, Los Angeles might be willing to do whatever it takes to acquire Cleveland’s floor general.
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