W
NBA Rumors: The market scenario that could end the season for the Los Angeles Lakers
NBATuesday, 16 January 2024 at 02:00
The Los Angeles Lakers need an injection of offensive dynamism if they want to compete meaningfully in the Western Conference. And they better be prepared to spend to get it.
The Lakers rank 22nd in points scored per possession on the year. They have managed to rank in the top 12 in efficiency in the midrange game, but that positioning has declined since their In-Season Tournament appearance, and the team has shown cracks in transition during that same period.
Relying on better health or different lineups to solve the primary problems, which include a 28th-ranked three-point attempt rate and being in the lower bottom-10 efficiency, sounds hollow. The Lakers don't have the personnel in-house to immediately improve their frontcourt spacing. And surprisingly, they continue to be rated below average even when their top four offensive players - LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves and D'Angelo Russell - share the court.
The approach of taking a wait-and-see beyond the trade deadline is not an option. LeBron is 39 years old. He can't get caught up in keeping the only first-round pick they can trade or considering Reaves untouchable because of what might happen after James' departure or retirement.
Urgency within reason is the mandate. Setting a limit on Zach LaVine's price tag is fine. Same for Dejounte Murray. Heck, the Lakers don't even need to acquire one of those specific players. They just need to be aggressive in finding upgrades in frontcourt spacing and, if possible, shot creation.
Doing something just for the sake of doing something is, as always, the wrong decision. But doing nothing or doing something more marginal than noteworthy is just as bad when this core, which has a 12-18 record against opponents above .500, hasn't shown enough signs that it can compete with the league's best.
claps 0visitors 4
Just In
