The Los Angeles Lakers should be able to make the postseason with ease next season. Especially after a wonderful offseason they have been through. They executed their plans brilliantly. Most of all, the LA side was keen to retain Austin Reaves, who was heading toward free agency. He has been the breakout star of the Lakers since the last season. Later, the front office retained Rui Hachimura and D’Angelo Russell as well to keep the core together. They managed to keep the last season’s core together pretty well. After getting them together last season, they were able to reach the Western Conference Finals.
Hence, the Lakers could not let the three promising youngsters leave them in the current offseason. Moreover, they have stalwarts like LeBron James and Anthony Davis getting ready for the next season. On top of that, reinforcements like Cam Reddish, Gabe Vincent, and Taurean Prince make their roster deep and balanced. Do the Lakers need any more reinforcements? They do have the 15th spot open for one more player. According to Fadeaway World’s Eddie Bitar, the Lakers should go all-in for James Harden. The former MVP is still available for trade.
Why Should The Beard Join The LA Side?
Moreover, the Lakers might need a third star to become the favorite of the Western Conference. On top of that, LeBron James will be 39 next December. Hence, the LA side might need a trustworthy playmaker. In fact, James Harden led the league last season in assists per contest. Lately, Harden has openly expressed his wish to leave the Philadelphia 76ers. He wants to find happiness elsewhere. Can the LA side acquire the Beard in any surprising blockbuster trade scenario?
As per Eddie Bitar, to acquire James Harden, the Lakers might have to trade D’Angelo Russell and Jarred Vanderbilt, along with the first-round pick of 2029. It might still look pretty risky to use that trade package to acquire Harden at this point. Moreover, the attitude of James Harden can be questionable. But the benefits Harden will bring are unquestionable. James Harden is still in his prime and can look for a long-term deal with the Lakers even in the post-LeBron James era. Moreover, LeBron James can relax and not play the point guard role in Harden’s presence. Additionally, the pick-and-roll combo of James Harden and Anthony Davis can prove to be quite lethal.
Dion Waiters Also Available For The Lakers
Last year, he made the most assists in the league, and the Lakers would love to have a player like that on their roster. James Harden can surely help them win a title. Albeit, Harden has not won a title yet. He reached the NBA Finals playing for the Oklahoma City Thunders in 2012, but that’s just it. Never did Harden reach another final. However, his inclusion in the Lakers can surely boost the side.
Dion Waiters pours out heart to shed light on dark days that led to depression following NBA exit, and why he had to seek therapy. This is the @dionwaiters3 you didn’t know: “I had thoughts of not being around.” https://t.co/fJt4zkoQeY
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 12, 2023
But if the Lakers are looking for a former champion, then Dion Waiters is still available. He was part of the Lakers in the 2020 bubble championship. He is still a free agent at present. Waiters last played for the LA side, and then he was out for three seasons in the NBA. Moreover, he has played in eight NBA seasons. But TNT’s Chris Haynes noted that Waiters was trying to make a comeback.