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The Los Angeles Lakers seemed to be heading in the right direction heading into Monday’s recreation in opposition to the Indiana Pacers. Nonetheless, they blew a 17-point lead within the fourth quarter and misplaced at dwelling. It’s a foul loss, to make sure, however groups come again to win video games on a regular basis.
It occurs, however for the Lakers, it’s additional proof that roster adjustments are wanted. Russell Westbrook is the primary identify that involves thoughts when discussing a doable Lakers commerce, however maybe it shouldn’t anymore.
Westbrook has largely performed properly coming off the bench and has been terrific as a playmaker, serving to make up for his offensive drop-off. As a substitute, a new report by the Athletics Jovan Buha ( subscription required) means that the Lakers may commerce one other certainly one of their level guards.
Who else may the Los Angeles Lakers commerce to try to improve their roster?
Patrick Beverley was acquired in a commerce from the Utah Jazz, and was anticipated to assist the Lakers however hasn’t so far. Mix his underwhelming play together with his $13 million expiring contract, and he is smart as a doable commerce candidate.
The Lakers may dangle Beverly in commerce talks, and whereas they’re detest to commerce their remaining future first-round picks, they may package deal him with a number of second-round picks to get a deal achieved. One doable goal might be Josh Richardson of the San Antonio Spurs.
Richardson is a 3-and-D wing and would assist remedy Los Angeles’ capturing woes and bolster their protection. He’s additionally on an expiring contract and makes barely lower than Beverly, making the commerce simpler to finish.
Though the Spurs are possible on the lookout for a primary for Richardson, the Lakers may supply their 2023, 2025, and/or 2027 second-rounders to the Spurs, and the Spurs may at all times flip round and flip Beverly for a further asset later.
The Spurs could be doing simply that with Richardson, contemplating they acquired a first-rounder from the Boston Celtics together with Richardson within the Derrick White commerce solely to show round and flip him for 2 a number of seconds. That ought to at the very least make a commerce between the 2 groups a chance.
Total, the Lakers have usually performed higher of late, however this newest loss is a reminder that the roster remains to be in want of an improve. Moreover, given Beverly’s play and the Lakers’ depth at level guard, it is smart for him to be on the buying and selling block.
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