“Lakers Looking to Bolster Roster Ahead of NBA Trade Deadline”
Now that the Kyrie Irving trade is off the table after all these months, the Los Angeles Lakers can finally proceed with the monumental task of improving a somewhat talented but porous roster in less than 72 hours before the NBA trade close on Thursday.
They’re in dire need of accurate 3-point shooting and amid their recent struggles on defense, they could use some help in that department as well.
If they make a deal, what kind of deal will it be? Will they go for a real big man, a big wing, a small wing or a ball handling guard?
Los Angeles Times’ Dan Woike says the team has several specific players it may want to sign.
About the Los Angeles Times:
Toronto guards Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr., Atlanta guard Bogdan Bogdanovic, Detroit forward Bojan Bogdanovic (who the Pistons have repeatedly said is unavailable unless they’re blown away by an offer), Charlotte guard Terry Rozier and Utah guard Mike Conley are all considered potential trade targets depending on how the market performs through Thursday.”
Neither of these players would be an ideal match, although some could move the needle significantly for LA
Both men named Bogdanovic would represent an upgrade in 3-point shooting even if they didn’t add much or anything on defense. Bojan Bogdanovic in particular would be a huge step up in the wide shooter department and would give the team a legitimate third scoring opportunity.
Rozier and VanVleet have been strong guards for the Charlotte Hornets and Toronto Raptors, respectively, but their shot rates are down a lot this season, meaning they could actually hurt the Lakers in terms of 3-point accuracy.
Conley, who is 35, appears to be on the decline and his 3-point shooting accuracy has also declined this season.
However, Trent could be a very nice acquisition for the Lakers given his reputation for being a true 3-and-D player. At 6ft 5 and 209 pounds, he can play the 3 at times, and he’s shooting a respectable 37.3 percent from downtown on 7.1 attempts per game this year.
Source: lebronwire.usatoday.com
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