The Los Angeles Lakers are going to look at every avenue to upgrade their roster this offseason. After they were knocked out of the first round of the NBA playoffs by the Phoenix Suns, they want to return to contending as soon as possible.
A lot of the issues for the Lakers this season came courtesy of LeBron James and Anthony Davis being injured. Los Angeles’ stars both missed huge chunks of the season, which derailed any hopes the team had of repeating as NBA Champions.
While many fans are holding out hope that the Lakers can acquire a third star, with Portland Trail Blazers’ point guard Damian Lillard being atop that wish list, that would be a tall task. Without many assets, whether it be players on the roster or draft capital, swinging a trade for a superstar will not be easy.
However, the Lakers could still look to make a trade with Portland, but for their backup point guard, Anfernee Simons. Simons was one of the surprise trade targets named and his addition to Los Angeles would make a lot of sense.
READ MORE: Predictions for NBA Trade Rumors: Beal, Lillard, McCollum, Porzingis & Siakam
Simons would provide the team with 3-point shooting, something they lacked during the 2020-21 season. Simons connected on 42.6 percent of his 3-point attempts, while the Lakers ranked 25th in 3-point makes with 11.1 per game and 21st in percentage at 35.4 percent.
The 22-year is also a phenomenal athlete, as he won the NBA Dunk Contest and is just coming into his own as he enters his fourth season in the league.
There are some shortcomings the Lakers would have to deal with, such as Simons’ defense, or lack thereof. Hopefully, being surrounded by a different group of veterans and a new coaching staff could help him translate some of his athleticism to the defensive end.
READ MORE: Predictions for NBA Trade Rumors: Beal, Lillard, McCollum, Porzingis & Siakam
He is also not a great facilitator, at least not yet. But, when you have LeBron James on the team, you don’t need to be and there aren’t many better to learn the nuances of being a facilitator from than James.
Figuring out what it would cost to land Anfernee Simons, or if he is even available, is anyone’s guess at this point. A lot of what Portland will do this offseason hinges on whether or not Damian Lillard will ask to be traded.
If he does become available, he would represent a worthy lottery ticket for the Los Angeles Lakers to take a chance on. His scoring and 3-point shooting would immediately help the team, and if he improves in the weaker areas of his game, Los Angeles would have a cost-efficient steal on their hands.
