Leading in Tuesday’s game slate, the Lakers found themselves third in the Western Conference at 28-15 overall behind the Jazz (31-11) and Sun (28-13). Not a bad place to be halfway through the 2020-21 season, right?
Well, the road ahead can be a bit bumpy. LeBron James (ankle) and Anthony Davis (calf) were both sidelined for extended periods as they recover from injuries, may struggle in the short term in Los Angeles and fall to the West Standings.
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Rob Pelinka, general manager and vice president of basketball operations, will try to give the team some help before Thursday’s trade deadline, but the Lakers have limited assets and face significant financial constraints.
Let’s take a look at what La Real can do to improve the roster.
What can the Lakers give to other teams at the NBA trade deadline?
Hmm. . . not much.
In terms of draft assets, the Lakers have 2027 first-round picks and four future second-round picks. The wardrobe is bare because they took off almost everything to acquire Davis in 2019. (This business worked fine.)
So, what about the players? Los Angeles Kentavius may provide Caldwell-Pope, Montreal Hurl and / or Talen Horton-Tucker. (It is worth noting all those people Clutch Sports Client.) Horton-Tucker is the most intriguing player in that group, as he is 20 years old and has played a big role this season.
“That piece [the Lakers] Maybe they are ready to move ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said recently On “The Hoop Collective” podcast. “The piece the team wants is Talen Horton-Tucker, a restricted free agent at the end of the year. I don’t know if you give him cash at this point.”
One more thing to keep in mind before going to the business machine: only the Lakers are given $ 1.5 million below the hard cap, They will have to closely scrutinize the salary coming in and going out of any deal.
Who can target the Lakers in a trade or on a buying market?
Andre Drummond, Cavaliers
The Cavaliers are scheduled to get something in return for Drummond, who last played for Cleveland on February 12. It would be a struggle to find a workable deal, however, due to Drummond’s contract ($ 28.7 million for 2020-21). If the Cavs fail to finalize a trade and eventually agree to a buyout, several reports have offered the Lakers as Drummond as a favorite.
Drummond is averaging 17.5 points and 13.5 rebounds per game this season, but he clearly does not fit Cleveland’s future plans. He will be a welcome addition in LA.
Larskas Aldridge, Spurs
Aldridge is another big man who got out of the rotation and is looking for a new home. The seven-time All-Star is another potential buyout candidate for the Lakers, but there is a “growing belief” that the Heat are the leaders to field Aldridge, Per windhost.
Of course, each team’s preferences may change in the coming days depending on other moves. It would be worth monitoring Aldridge’s condition.
George Hill, Thunder
The Lakers, Clippers and 76ers have expressed interest in Hill, According to Jake Fisher of the Bleacher Report. A Western Conference official told Fisher that the Thunder are “ready to take trade salaries for compensation and for draft compensation.”
It would be a surprise to see Oklahoma City reach a purchase agreement with Hill, considering General Manager Sam Presti’s love of draft picks. Perhaps Los Angeles will be ready to let the second rounder go, so it could bring in one of James’ older teammates.
Hassan Whiteside, Kings
A Drummond Backup Plan? Whiteside may be just for the Lakers.
While the veteran center is not really an exciting name, he will offer a team for at least one frontcourt depth that seems too young at the moment.
What should we expect from the Lakers at the trade deadline?
It is important to note that the Lakers are not desperate. Even if they slide into the standings, the Lakers know it will be difficult to land them in the playoffs with full force.
Will Los Angeles go all-in with its assets and send the NBA Twitter into a frenzy at the deadline? Eh, maybe not.
Can the Lakers work with the Fringe and find a useful player as they chase back-to-back championships? Undoubtedly.
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