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The NBA Trade Deadline is a few days away with many anticipating transactions to take place. Teams will look to make roster adjustments to better their chances of contention and build for the future. The Los Angeles Lakers have been in the midst of trade talks as they look to make some changes in the lineup. As the playoffs approach soon, the franchise wants to make the necessary moves to defend their championship.
The Lakers have certainly had their ups and downs this year. As Anthony Davis has been sidelined with an injury, the team fell into a slump heading into the All-Star break. The Lakers went 3-7 in their last 10 games heading into the break and desperately needed a consistent second man next to LeBron James. Despite the slumps that the Lakers have suffered, they still sit in third place in the Western Conference.
After their miraculous championship run in the bubble, the Lakers made decent transactions through the offseason. Their biggest signing was acquiring Dennis Schroder from the Oklahoma City Thunder. Schroder was a sixth man of the year candidate averaging 19 points per game on 47 percent shooting from the field. His leadership on and off the floor was just what the Lakers needed to help defend their crown. Despite his time sidelined due to health protocols, Schroder continues to compete on a nightly basis.
Other major signings the Lakers had were Montrezl Harrell from the Los Angeles Clippers, Marc Gasol from the Toronto Raptors, and Wesley Matthews from the Milwaukee Bucks. All three of these players have playoff experience that can tremendously benefit the Lakers. Gasol has champion experience while the other two have played past the first round of the playoffs.
The Lakers Need More Size In The Middle
Last season’s Lakers have not shown a ton of size in the frontcourt this season. The ability to have twin towers under the basket elevated the team from other contenders. With the combination of Anthony Davis, JaVale McGee, and Dwight Howard, the Lakers displayed tremendous rim protection and enforcers under the basket. Since McGee and Howard's departure, the Lakers have missed their consistent rim protection throughout this season.
As Davis has been sidelined, the Lakers have allowed 48.6 points in the paint compared to 45.8 last season. As great of a signing as Gasol was in the offseason, he has not been helpful defensively for the roster. Gasol’s age alongside his lack of vertical ability has made it difficult to protect the paint as the Lakers’ center.
Two defensive centers can make a big difference for the Lakers are bringing back McGee and Andre Drummond. Although the Lakers cannot trade for McGee this season, they can sign him to a contract if bought out by the Cavaliers. Drummond, on the other hand, has been in a peculiar situation with the Cleveland Cavaliers and deserves a restart on a contending team.
There could be a chance that Drummond has a Howard type of redemption season. Last season, Howard’s job was to defend the paint and rebound. As he did his job correctly, other aspects of the game followed him. Drummond could make that same impact if traded to the Lakers by the trade deadline. As James and Davis approach their return from their injuries, their star-caliber will allow Drummond to play as a great role player for the Lakers.
A reunion with McGee would be a great move for Los Angeles. His rotation minutes may have been inconsistent in the bubble, but head coach Frank Vogel understands what he brings to the table on a nightly basis. McGee returning to the Lakers would bring great optimism for what the rest of the season has to offer.
