The Los Angeles Lakers have started the season with an identical record to how they started last year under Darvin Ham. JJ Redick's takeover of the team has brought positives on the court, but it's hard for a rookie head coach to overcome the roster issues the Lakers have had for the last two seasons. No one has looked at their collection of talent and called them title contenders, but everyone will be disappointed just the same if they do not make a push for contention.
The team has major issues with its guard play and a complete lack of backup center minutes behind Anthony Davis. They could address both these needs in a trade with the Washington Wizards which can see them greatly improve the top-end of their rotation for players who haven't been producing for them.
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Malcolm Brogdon, Jonas Valanciunas
Washington Wizards Receive: D'Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, Christian Wood, 2025 Second-Round Pick (LAL), 2025 Second-Round Pick (LAC), 2030 Second-Round Pick (LAL)
This deal allows the Lakers to reinforce their rotation with high-quality veterans who will be willing to accept their roles to try and help the franchise into a contending situation. Both teams won't have complaints about the salary aspect either, as these are all affordable contracts being moved around.
The Lakers Revamp Their Rotation
The Lakers have been playing through self-imposed limitations created by the roster that JJ Redick inherited. They're having to play Cam Reddish as a starter to have a semblance of defense in the starting five while D'Angelo Russell continues being inconsistent as the team's sixth man. In addition, there is simply no positive lineup without Anthony Davis on the floor, primarily because he's the only competent big man on the roster.
This deal lands the Lakers Valanciunas, a player they've been targeting since the summer when the Wizards offered him a larger contract than the Lakers could. He's averaging 11.9 points and 7.9 rebounds this season, proving to be a solid veteran big-man presence on the franchise. His presence is wholly unnecessary on the tanking franchise, as they also have more veteran big men occupying space on the bench.
Malcolm Brogdon is averaging 10.3 points and 3.5 rebounds on the franchise, taking a backseat on the franchise to facilitate the development of rookie guard Bub Carrington. A veteran guard like him coming off the bench is a waste, and the franchise would be better off opening minutes at that spot to give Carrington and other young players on the franchise more opportunity.
The Lakers get to add a big man who can play alongside Davis or as his backup while also adding a versatile guard who can be most effective off the bench but also be a complementary fit alongside Austin Reaves as the starting backcourt for the franchise.
The Wizards Bottom Out For A Tanking Year
The first month of the season hasn't created any major trends that analysts or fans can believe in as sustainable till the end of the season. However, the one team that's been predictably bad is the Washington Wizards. They have the league's worst record (2-13) and have gone head-first into ushering in a youth movement on the franchise by giving young players ample opportunity at the expense of the win-loss record.
The Wizards might be having a fire sale of players by the time February rolls around, with multiple veteran players who could benefit from being on other franchises. Brogdon and Valanciunas might be the most obvious, with Brogdon on an expiring contract and Valanciunas on an affordable three-year deal which would be better value for veteran franchises around the NBA.
Christian Wood hasn't played this season and will likely not be available immediately for the Wizards, but he can get stop-gap minutes at the position for the franchise. Gabe Vincent can take over Brogdon's role as a veteran guard to mentor Carrington, with his playable value low enough for him to not impact Carrington's minutes as Brogdon does.
D'Angelo Russell is averaging 11.2 points and 5.0 assists this season, and could be a candidate to be moved further by the franchise. If they can't find a new home, Russell will be a free agent in the summer and be off the franchise anyway.
The Lakers Take A Big Punt To Save Their Season
The Western Conference is a challenging place and the Lakers can't afford to get complacent while competing against other West teams. They're currently ahead of contenders like the Dallas Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Phoenix Suns, but those franchises can get back into the swing of contention by making minor tactical tweaks and waiting for injuries.
The Lakers are maxed out while playing their style, with injured players like Wood and Jarred Vanderbilt nowhere close to a return. They can't expect Anthony Davis or LeBron James to carry the load they have been for the franchise and remain viable till the end of the season, especially with their injury history.
This deal brings them two major contributors in positions of need. Rob Pelinka cannot afford to let another valuable trade offer slip through his hands.
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