How This Deal Impacts Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers want to upgrade their roster for the stretch run of the season, but that is easier said than done. They don’t have many assets to build a trade package with unless they are willing to include their future first-round draft pick.
As of yet, they have been unwilling to do so. So, they go bargain hunting and come across an excellent deal with the Indiana Pacers for Justin Holiday. Holiday is a perfect fit for the Lakers, as long as the mandate rules don’t change again to include Crypto.com Arena, as Holiday remains unvaccinated.
Holiday is the quintessential 3-and-D wing that the team needs. He is making 38 percent of his 3-point attempts this season and has the size and length at 6’6” to switch onto anyone defensively.
His skillset is the exact kind that has led to success when around LeBron James in the past. He will immediately step into the rotation as a key contributor for a Lakers team that is lacking true wing options.
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The package is a palatable one for Los Angeles as well. Kent Bazemore and DeAndre Jordan aren’t key members of the rotation and haven’t been for weeks. The two second-round picks eat away at their already limited draft capital, but when you are in win-now mode as they are, it is the price you have to pay.
The Lakers now have a roster spot open to get to work on the buyout market as well to continue augmenting the roster.
