If the Los Angeles Lakers hope to go deep into the postseason once more, they have work to do before the trade deadline. Despite their recent two-game victory run, they are now ranked ninth in the Western Conference. LeBron James is undoubtedly putting pressure on LA to bolster their squad, as the team is just one game above.500.
The Lakers advanced to the conference finals after general manager Rob Pelinka executed the same transaction at the previous year’s trade deadline. Could he work the same miracle in 2024? With an offensive rating of 21st, King James and company are in dire need of another scorer who can attack the rim and create some open looks. Even at 39, LeBron is still a great player, and the Lakers should strive for a championship with him. They can only trade one first-round draft selection, so they have to make a game-changing move without acquiring a third star. Before the trade deadline on February 8th, what steps may the Lakers take?
This season, Los Angeles is merely hitting 11.3 3-pointers per game, which is 28th in the NBA. It just gets worse with the Magic and Pistons. If the Lakers want to make the playoffs, they will undoubtedly need to shoot more when it comes to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. If the two teams were to play in a seven-game series, Boston would have an almost insurmountable advantage because they are averaging five more 3-pointers per game.
Because of Jarred Vanderbilt’s foot ailment, the Lakers are looking for a substitute. They are in dire need of a capable defender who can close gaps in jump shots. Dorian Finney-Smith is the kind of person who would be the ideal addition to their present core.