Before the 2022-23 NBA season got underway, Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka took responsibility for LeBron James’ legacy, saying he was the caretaker of it. James had just signed a two-year extension with the team in August, as he and Pelinka were reportedly on the same page about putting the right pieces around him to compete for a championship for the duration of the contract.
Through 11 games, it has become clear that Pelinka has failed as caretaker of James’ legacy as he put together one of the worst rosters in the NBA. What Pelinka has done to a Lakers roster that won the championship in the Orlando Bubble in 2020 should be a jailable offense.
Los Angeles is currently tied for the fewest wins in the league thus far this season as they are 2-9. There is no light at the end of the tunnel with this current roster as they are struggling in every facet of the game.
The Lakers are the worst team in the NBA in offensive rating as they cannot shoot 3-pointers. At this point, they would struggle to hit the broad side of a barn with a jumper. Their defense is slipping as well. Despite coming out of the gate strong on that end of the court, the Lakers are now 18th in defensive rating.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
This franchise is quickly approaching a crossroads, which will force them to make a tough decision. Will they try a last-ditch effort of rebuilding the roster around James and Anthony Davis, or could one of their superstars be on the move, bringing in assets to restock their coffers with but likely ending any chance they have at competing for a title?
There is hesitancy to trade future draft picks to help the team win games this season. Buddy Hield and Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers have been popular trade targets but some within the Lakers don’t believe those two players would move the needle much toward contention.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Always chasing stars, one name to keep an eye on, according to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, is Bradley Beal of the Washington Wizards. If the Lakers waited until the 2023 offseason to make a deal, they would have three first-round picks to build a trade package around and Beal is someone they could have their eyes on.
“A star player whom the Lakers are known to covet is Washington Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal, sources say. Going after the 10-year veteran would only be an option if Beal were to request a trade, a tactic he has been reluctant to exercise.”
Should Beal want to be traded, he holds all of the power. He would be able to pick where he wants to go as the Wizards gave him a full no-trade clause this offseason in addition to a fifth-year player option and a 15 percent trade kicker. If the Lakers are where he wanted to be, he could force his way there.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
However, as Haynes noted, requesting a trade isn’t something that Beal has wanted to do despite the opportunity presenting itself on numerous occasions. From the sounds of it, this is another fantasy wish for a Lakers team heading toward another lost season.
