There is plenty of rumors and speculation to the Los Angeles Lakers being involved in trade talks. The question in play, is it worth going after a third star? The Lakers need more depth, not less. In order to complete a trade for these star players, the Lakers would need to trade away multiple role players. That just creates more problems, not fewer. Those problems can revolve around the salary cap if the team is paying another star near-max money. With a slow off-season and the trade deadline now less than two months away, we are to see how LA will pursue the market.
Lakers Should be More Interested in Depth Over Third Star
The Lakers are being linked to star players like Trae Young, Brandon Ingram, and Zach LaVine.
You have to analyze if adding a third star might not be in their best interest. It’s not to say these guys provide zero help, but adding such a player would require them to lose a lot. Players like D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura would be on the chopping block involved with these trades. All of these guys play an instrumental part into the success and chemistry that has been built over the past several seasons.
Simplicity and Focusing on the Problems
The Lakers are one of the worst rebounding teams in the NBA, ranking No. 24 in offensive rebounds and No. 26 in second-chance points allowed per game. LA is also No. 23 in opponent three-point field goals made and No. 27 in defensive rating. Without a few of their role players in Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood, the defense has plummeted tremendously. We haven’t got an exact timeframe as to when these two will be back on the floor, but Lakers faithful is hoping towards the beginning of next year.
The Lakers need to be prioritizing that weakness over a flawed pursuit of a third star who won’t directly address any of their issues. The team is more than capable of scoring. It is the lack of rebounding and interior defense that is really hurting LA. The one spotlight of the trade rumors has been the reoccurring talk with center Jonas Valančiūnas. By bringing in a quality center, the Lakers could limit second chances and create more efficient offense when the stars aren’t on the court. Prioritizing perimeter defense will also make the Lakers’ offensive production more of a strength and the defense stronger while we wait for Wood and Vanderbilt.
Valančiūnas is due to make just $9.9 million during the 2024-25 season. That low-cost salary would open the door for Los Angeles to potentially execute an efficient trade. The Lakers wouldn’t have to trade much of their depth to get a deal done.
#Lakers unsurprisingly remain interested in Jonas Valanciunas. Here is the offer they are reportedly dangling to the Wizards:https://t.co/YZHvadS6IP
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) December 2, 2024
Last Word
It might be disappointing to some if the Lakers don’t pursue a third star. Rob Pelinka and the front office seem to be taking a responsible and patient approach. The purple and gold are wisely prioritizing a deeper and more balanced rotation. The Lakers and Rob Pelinka are finally taking steps in the right direction towards exhibiting patience.
