Yardbarker

Dec 2, 2023

Lakers’ trade-deadline approach revealed | Yardbarker The Los Angeles Lakers are widely expected to improve their roster before the February 8 trade deadline. Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan have reportedly been front office targets in recent weeks. However, there have been no reports of any trade talks. According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the Lakers will likely be patient in their quest for improvement. The Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors and a handful of other teams around the league could become sellers in the new year. This is when the Lakers should strike on the trade market. “The Lakers plan to take a patient approach to the trade market, team sources not authorized to speak publicly told The Athletic, and would prefer to see what their group looks like as a whole before making a monumental decision on the list,” Buha wrote. “They are still evaluating their needs and will continue to monitor the league, including possible fire sales to Toronto, Washington, Utah, Brooklyn and/or Charlotte that could make useful rotation players available.” Rob Pelinka doesn’t have many assets to negotiate with. However, he has done a fantastic job acquiring young talent over the past 12 months. Jarred Vanderbilt, 24, and Rui Hachimura, 25, are two shining examples of young players who have significantly improved their stock in the league since joining the Lakers. If Pelinka is willing to part with such talent, he will likely have the basis of a trade deal for a potential third star. Of course, D’Angelo Russell could also see his name floating around in trade talks. Whatever Pelinka decides to do, it is highly unlikely that the Lakers roster will be the same in mid-February as it is today. Pelinka and the Lakers are determined to compete for a championship. They want to give LeBron James another opportunity to add to his ring collection. And they want to continue the legacy and tradition of being one of the most legendary franchises in the league. Unfortunately for Los Angeles, that means being willing to mortgage the future in hopes of winning now. While this method works, recent seasons have proven the downsides of championship parades. Several players could become available on the commercial market in the coming weeks. Finding someone who matches LeBron and Anthony Davis won’t be easy. However, if Pelinka can succeed and the Denver Nuggets’ injury problems persist, the Purple and Gold could be the new favorites to advance out of the Western Conference in 2024. Sports Grp1