The Los Angeles Lakers have been one of the best teams in the Western Conference this season, sitting near the top of the NBA standings heading into December. With the West more wide open than it’s been in years, NBA rumors are already swirling regarding what the Lakers will do on the trade market.
Under first-year head coach JJ Redick, the Lakers are playing much better than they did last season. Already at 11 wins through 19 games, Los Angeles is seeing MVP-caliber play from Anthony Davis while Austin Reaves is delivering a breakout season.
- Los Angeles Lakers stats (ESPN): 115.6 PPG, 48.2% FG, 36.8% 3PT, 40.1 RPG, 27.1 APG, 166.6 PPG allowed, 48.4% FG allowed, 43,4 RPG allowed
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However, the Lakers still have a few shortcomings that could cost them if they make the playoffs. Entering NBA games today, Los Angeles ranks 20th in three-pointers made per game (12.4) and it’s averaging the third-fewest rebounds per game (40.1). Now, the front office is exploring its options to upgrade the roster.
According to Evan Sidery of Forbes.com, the Lakers are one of the most active teams in trade discussions around the NBA right now. While it’s still months out from the NBA trade deadline in February, Los Angeles is showing an early aggressiveness and also making its trade candidates known.
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Right now, the Lakers are primarily dangling the expiring contracts of D’Angelo Russell and Jalen Hood-Schifino. While the team would love to move Gabe Vincent, he is viewed as one of the worst NBA contracts right now and will be very difficult to move.
As for potential Lakers trade targets, NBA rumors have documented the team’s interest in Washington Wizards center Jonas Valanciunas and Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams. Los Angeles is especially interested in upgrading at center, which would allow Redick to move Davis to the position he’s more comfortable playing.
While no deal is imminent, the Lakers seem poised to be one of the most aggressive teams ahead of the NBA trade deadline this season. A blockbuster move likely isn’t coming, but Los Angeles could do enough to make a deep playoff run in the Western Conference.