8. Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers got a shooter off the bench that they so desired in Luke Kennard. Kennard is an elite shooter, a quality passer, and an elite shooter off the move. He is also a smart defender who can guard other small forwards well.
Los Angeles is in a battle for 4th through 6th place in the Western Conference with Houston and Minnesota. However, Luka Dončić is dealing with a hamstring injury, though the severity is not yet known.
9. Detroit Pistons
Detroit has the second-best record and leads the Eastern Conference at 37-13. Still, the Pistons sent Jaden Ivey, who will be a restricted free agent, to Chicago in exchange for Kevin Huerter and Dario Saric.
Huerter saw just six minutes off the bench for the Pistons in their loss to Washington last night. The 27-year-old, who has struggled from deep this year, missed both of his shots from beyond the arc against the Wizards. However, he recorded a rebound, an assist, and a steal.
Huerter is projected to be a main piece of the Pistons’ bench. The Pistons don’t have many shooters, especially anyone who moves as well as he does on the perimeter. The Pistons rank 27th in three-pointers made, 28th in 3-point attempts, and 22nd in 3-point percentage.
Saric has not reported to the team, and it is unknown whether he will do so.
10. Toronto Raptors
Toronto improved its depth in the backcourt and frontcourt with the additions of Chris Paul and Trayce Jackson-Davis. Paul may be waived. Regardless, the moves are not really championship upgrades.
