Things could get really interesting for the Los Angeles Lakers this upcoming NBA offseason. Given the current construction of the roster, it is clear that something needs to change this offseason if they want to return to the ranks of contenders next season.
Los Angeles is currently 27-31 on the season and lucky to even be in a spot to play in the NBA Play-In Tournament. The bottom half of the Western Conference being so weak this season is their only saving grace, as they are 4.5 games clear of the 11th place San Antonio Spurs.
Alas, this is a team that came into the 2021-22 season with championship aspirations. They are going to fall well short of a title barring a miraculous turnaround. The team took a risk acquiring Russell Westbrook from the Washington Wizards and it has turned out to be a bust.
Many people presume that the team will try and move Westbrook this offseason. LeBron James has put the organization on notice with his comments in recent press conferences. Changes need to occur, otherwise, there are avenues he could take to leave the Lakers.
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Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, while making an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, believes that James is going to remain with the Lakers for the foreseeable future. But, there could very well be some big moves ahead of this offseason.
Could one of those big trades involve Anthony Davis? According to one NBA executive that talked to Heavy.com, he believes there is a chance that Davis could be on the move this offseason and the Chicago Bulls would be where he lands.
“Chicago is the one place I can see AD saying, ‘OK, if you are going to trade me, send me home.’ He has always wanted to play for the Bulls. That is not a big secret. He wants to do something for his city. If you are Chicago, I do not see how you don’t make an offer, at least feel it out.
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But you would have to send DeMar DeRozan back. Plus I’d say either Pat Williams or Coby White. and if it is White, then a draft pick, too. I think that is something that would at least have a chance because the Lakers can say, ‘Well he wanted to go home,’ then let his injuries be Chicago’s problem. I like DeRozan and LeBron together, you get Coby White and you flip the pick for a vet? It is not a bad deal for the Lakers, either.”
This is the framework of a deal that could benefit both sides. Anthony Davis has not been able to stay healthy, but when he does, he has shown he is one of the best players in the NBA. He is a force on both sides of the court, athletic enough to defend on the perimeter with elite rim protection. His jump shot has been awry this season, but he has shown in the past he can shoot with range.
Breaking up a core that has succeeded so much this season would be a tough pill for Chicago Bulls fans to swallow, but to have the chance to acquire Davis, who is four years younger than DeRozan, might be too much to pass up. Chicago would be getting him on a bit of a discount when you consider what the Los Angeles Lakers sent to the New Orleans Pelicans to acquire him.
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As for the Lakers, they would reshape the roster with pieces that fit better around James. This likely wouldn’t stop them from shopping Westbrook as well, as they could try and fill out the roster, even more, bringing back multiple pieces to help match his huge salary.
Rob Pelinka has to figure out a way to restock this roster as the Los Angeles Lakers have only two players, Talen Horton-Tucker and Kendrick Nunn, that aren’t on max or minimum deals. This roster needs an overhaul to get back in the title picture and parting ways with Anthony Davis may be the easiest way to get that done.
