The Los Angeles Lakers have a tough road ahead of them to navigate. They have been playing better recently, but things will certainly be challenging without Anthony Davis in the lineup. The injury-prone NBA star will be sidelined for at least a month because of a foot injury.
Davis has been playing at an MVP level thus far this season, averaging 27.4 points, 12.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.1 blocks in 33.4 minutes per game. Replacing that level of production will take a total team effort as there isn’t a single player capable of providing what Davis does to the team.
A lot of pressure will be placed upon the shoulders of LeBron James and Russell Westbrook to carry the team during his absence. That is certainly asking a lot out of them, so could this be the time that we see Los Angeles seriously look into making a trade?
Thus far, most negotiations have involved Patrick Beverley, Kendrick Nunn, and a protected future first-round pick. Not surprisingly, that package hasn’t garnered too much attention, as the Detroit Pistons turned it down in exchange for Bojan Bogdanovic.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
The Lakers have been hesitant thus far to put their best assets on the table. Their 2027 and 2029 first-round picks are the only real trade chips that Rob Pelinka has to play with, so the perfect deal needs to materialize for them to consider parting ways with them.
What would be considered the perfect deal? There have been rumors swirling that Los Angeles could use those picks and Russell Westbrook to make a deal with the Chicago Bulls, who are staring down a potential rebuild, in exchange for DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic or Zach LaVine.
Another player to keep an eye on is Bradley Beal of the Washington Wizards. Washington is going nowhere fast, as they were riding a 10-game losing streak before Tuesday’s 113-110 win over the Phoenix Suns. Reportedly, Beal would like to come to California , and the Lakers could provide him with that opportunity.
Acquiring a third star is certainly a long shot for the Lakers, who don’t have the assets to make a competitive offer. But, the Wizards backed themselves into a corner with the supermax deal they agreed to with Beal, as it also includes a full no-trade clause, essentially giving him all the power should he want to be traded.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
If Beal says the Lakers are where he wants to be, there is a good chance that he ultimately ends up there. He cannot be traded until January 15th, so the Lakers would have to wait a few weeks. But, adding a player of his caliber would provide the kind of boost that the team desperately needs.
