The Los Angeles Lakers are undoubtedly a championship-caliber team. Having won a title in 2021, the past two seasons have been underwhelming for the team. A few trade goof-ups, along with unwanted injuries, doomed the purple and gold’s successful run. This season, they did manage to reach the conference finals after being 13th in the West. Multiple trades during the trade deadline in February changed their fate.
In the final stretch of the 2022-23 NBA season, the Lakers looked less dependent on their star veterans, LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Instead, young guns like Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, and Dennis Shroder won many crucial games. As a result, in the upcoming draft, the Lakers are considering changing their traditional approach to bring in a set of young and dynamic players.
Lakers Might Trade Rookies In The Upcoming NBA Draft
The Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most storied franchises in the NBA, are reportedly exploring the possibility of trading down in the upcoming draft. It’s a move that has sparked intrigue and speculation among fans and analysts. While the Lakers have traditionally aimed to add top-tier talent to their roster, there are several factors, such as creating salary cap flexibility, addressing positional needs, and accumulating future assets, which may be contributing to their consideration of trading down. It could also give the team an opportunity to gain back some picks they traded away in the past.
The important aspect to remember is the team’s lead star, LeBron James, is on the last stretch of his legendary career. Hence, with Anthony Davis probably in the lead, the Lakers are moving away from their traditional approach. As young players brought them to glory this season, the team has all the reasons to believe that maybe constructing a roster filled with talented rookies might help them succeed in the longer run. Regardless, It’s important to note that no official decisions have been made yet. The front office will carefully evaluate all options and consider potential pros and cons before finalizing any deals. The team’s ultimate goal remains to assemble a roster that can compete for championships. Hence, if trading down fulfills that objective, they will pursue it.
Max Christie Can Become A Rotational Player, Predicts NBA Pundit
LA Lakers drafted young rookie forward Max Christie last season. But he didn’t play him much in the regular as well as the postseason. Christie made a lot of noise during his pick. However, as the game was raw, the team wanted him to grow and sharpen his skills. Meanwhile, as the forward is set to enter his sophomore year, NBA pundit Jovan Buha expects him to become a regular rotational player for the Lakers. Buha pointed out Max’s numbers over that stretch from Jan 6 through Jan 25.
Max Christie recorded 5.3 points and 2.3 rebounds in his short stint in the 2022-23 season. While his shooting ability still needs some sharpening, defensively, he has been excellent. Buha also applauded the forward’s high basketball IQ ad rebounding skills, which he thinks are too good for someone of his size and age. Overall, the NBA pundit urged the Lakers to consider grooming Max Christie. And also allow him to be a regular part of the rotation in the upcoming season.
