Often, NBA teams need to decide between quality and quantity. In other words, they need to decide between depth and top-end talent. A deep roster of quality players is an asset. Still, in the playoffs, it may only be your best players that see the floor.
The Los Angeles Lakers bolstered their depth this summer. They acquired plenty of quality young players. Will they see the floor when it matters? It’s hard to say. In this year’s playoffs, Jarred Vanderbilt and Mo Bamba fell out of the Lakers’ rotation.
With that in mind, the Lakers are a team to watch at this year’s deadline. If they look like they’re contending at that point in the season, they may not want to make any major moves. With that said, if they’re falling short of expectations, they could consolidate some players. Could they acquire Bogdan Bogdanovic of the Atlanta Hawks?
The Trade Proposal
Atlanta Hawks Receive: G/F Gabe Vincent, F/C Jarred Vanderbilt, F Taurean Prince
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G/F Bogdan Bogdanovic
With that said, there are plenty of concerns when it comes to building an NBA roster. Depth vs star power is just one consideration teams have to make. They also need to put together a roster that fits. The pieces on a team need to complement one another.
On some teams, that’s easier than others. Typically, LeBron James has been relatively easy to build around. He’s been an elite playmaker and defender, and a solid shooter. James thrives alongside shooters, but that’s about the only skill you need to thrive next to him.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Bogdan Bogdanovic, Atlanta Hawks & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
We can’t say the same for Trae Young. Yes, he’s one of the best playmakers in the NBA. Unfortunately, Young is a dreadful defender. With that in mind, the Hawks have attempted to surround him with quality defenders, but finding 3-and-D players is more difficult than finding shooting specialists. Does this deal improve the fit of their roster?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
We think so. Two of these players could be considered 3-and-D guys: Vincent and Prince. They’re both solid pieces to add to a Young-led team. What about Vanderbilt?
Well, he’s a little more complicated. Vanderbilt is a non-shooter. He’s a very interesting young player. Vanderbilt is a multi-positional defender and a surprisingly solid passer. Still, his inability to shoot makes him a questionable fit alongside Young – not to mention Clint Capela and Onyeko Onkongwu.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Bogdan Bogdanovic, Atlanta Hawks & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
We’re not concerned. In theory, Vanderbilt could replace either of the last two players. Still, the Hawks are doing this deal for financial reasons above all else. They’re flipping a long-term deal for three smaller ones – two of which are expiring. This team has had an apparent interest in shedding some cap space for a while. Should the Lakers help them shed it?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
Frankly, this isn’t a no-brainer for the Lakers. Before they make this move, they should monitor Bogdanovic. At 30 and coming off of an injury, he may not be the player he once was.
If he is? The Lakers should do this deal. Bogdanovic is comfortably the most skilled offensive player in this package. He can create his own shot, as well as spacing the floor for James. If you need Bogdanovic to run a pick and roll, he can do that too.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Bogdan Bogdanovic, Atlanta Hawks & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Meanwhile, the Lakers are a bit light on creators. That’s key – with James aging, the Lakers need to provide him with some assistance in that area. They may be giving up three quality players to get it for him, but that’s fine – the Lakers can prioritize quality over quantity.
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