Making the Case: Los Angeles Lakers
When Russell Westbrook was acquired, there were many pieces of the team that were sacrificed. Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope went to the Washington Wizards — causing the Lakers to lose ability from deep and on the defensive end.
The Lakers shot 34.7% from three-point range this season, which was good for 22nd in the league. This is an area that the team desperately needs to improve if they want to get back to championship caliber.
When looking at this return, Los Angeles would go three-for-three in terms of players that could help from deep. Hardaway Jr. solidifies himself as a threat early on in his career. Bertans signed a long-term deal in D.C. because of his ability from deep as a true seven-footer.
By acquiring Hardaway Jr., the Lakers would at least be gaining a spot-up threat that can bring some motion shooting elements to their half-court offense. Buddy Hield was originally a target for those very reasons last offseason.
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With LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers have plenty of star power and do not need more. What they do need is depth and some players will get it done beyond the arc.
