The Los Angeles Lakers had a great offseason. At least, that’s what the front office, fans, and experts thought initially. Anyhow, they are having a miserable start to the new season. Also injuries have been a big issue. Since the preseason, Jarred Vanderbilt has missed several games with a hip injury. As a result, Vando’s absence was a big blow to the defensive lineup of the Lakers. Later, the new entry, Gabe Vincent, sustained an injury that will keep him out of the games for at least another couple of weeks. Hence, the Lakers are using Max Christie and Jaxson Hayes in the lineup due to the absence of other key starters.
Very early to the season, the Lakers are facing a real test of the quality of their roster. Clearly, the LA side seems to be overly dependent on LeBron James. On the other hand, Anthony Davis already showed signs of his weak physique early in the current season. Many fans are blaming AD for their loss against the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday. The Kings scored 25 more points. As per Jovan Buha of The Athletic, after their latest loss, the Lakers are already looking for a big trade deal to solve their issues in the roster.
Lakers Are Looking For A Trade Deal With Bulls To Save Their Current Season
Buha suggests the Lakers might deal with the Chicago Bulls to acquire Zach Lavine. If the Bulls don’t trade LaVine, then the Lakers might ask for Alex Caruso or DeMar DeRozan. Any of these key players might just work for the 17-time champions. Moreover, the Lakers Faithful wants Caruso to wear the purple and gold jersey again on the floor. Moreover, Jovan Buha suggests that at the right price, the Lakers might ask the Bulls to trade LaVine. It might open up all sorts of possibilities for the Bulls to have a fire sale.
Anyway, the Bulls organization has been looking to lift themselves up from mediocrity. But Buha warns that any potential trade for LaVine would center around D’Angelo Russel, who’s been playing really well at the start of the season. According to Jovan Buha, the Bulls might also need the Lakers to trade Hachimura or Vincent to match the salary. Along with that, the Lakers might have to trade their first-round picks of 2029 or 2030 with the potential protections.
Shockingly Enough, The LA Side Is Unable To Live Up To Their Offseason Hype
Moreover, the LA side is not able to improve their record from the current state of .500 after the first 12 regular season games. They have lost six and won six games so far. It was not the kind of start the 17-time champions were hoping for after having a great offseason trading. Initially, the experts were calling the LA side a top contender for winning the title this season.
However, since the preseason, something seemed to be missing from the roster. Albeit, the Lakers have great depth and balance, the current forms of Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura are not helping their cause. Moreover, the Lakers are already facing multiple injury issues to key players.