Why This Trade Makes Sense For The Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers may be a great defensive team, but without Dennis Schroder and Anthony Davis, this team really struggles offensively. Even with AD and Schroder, the Lakers still rank 17th in the league in scoring this year and could really use another “go-to” bench scorer. 

Alec Burks would not only fit their system well because of his “3-and-D” play style, but because he is a guy that can create for himself. He is not only a catch-and-shoot wing, but Burks is more than capable of putting the ball on the court and getting to the rim. 

This is the type of player the Lakers desperately need, especially since they have virtually no wing depth. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is a catch-and-shoot guard, Kyle Kuzma has spent a lot of time on the perimeter this year and Talen Horton-Tucker is still a growing, young talent that is not ready to take on a huge role. 

Acquiring Burks gives the Lakers a key player who will not just live out on the perimeter on offense, but can take a lot of pressure off of AD, LeBron and Schroder due to his playmaking abilities. He is not much of a facilitator, but can create opportunities for others because he makes opponents collapse on him in the paint, allowing plenty of wide open shots from the perimeter. 

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The Lakers are a great three-point shooting team, which could make this acquisition one of the better ones near the trade deadline in terms of total value received. Burks is an impact player and if the Lakers are able to acquire him, they would have the reliable bench scorer they need to make it back to the NBA Finals for a chance to repeat as champions.