Los Angeles could help themselves in multiple ways with this acquisition.
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The Los Angeles Lakers have a multitude of needs heading into the trade deadline next week. They need more shooting on the roster to help space the floor, another big man and more perimeter defense from their guards.
However, it’s unlikely that the team will be able to address everything in one trade. But the team can look to help themselves in multiple ways by adding one specific player to the mix.
NBA analyst Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer has suggested that the Lakers look to make another trade deadline deal with the Utah Jazz. This time they would be bringing back sharp-shooting big man Kelly Olynyk.
“they should pursue Kelly Olynyk, who is a 32-year-old big man who can shoot 3s at a 40 percent clip, pass the ball, and play solid positional defense. Olynyk is exactly the type of big who could play with or without Davis in the lineup, giving Ham his desired frontcourt lineup flexibility to dictate matchups against opponents.”
Per Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer
Olynyk wouldn’t solve all the issues the Lakers have, but he would vastly help. His skill set is exactly what the Lakers need, and a move to land him would be under the radar as well.
In 47 games for the Jazz this season, Olynyk has averaged eight points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. But he is shooting 42.5% from beyond the three-point line.
Having a big man who could step out to the arch to knock down three-point shots at that high of a clip would open the Lakers offense up completely. The team thought that Christian Wood would take on that role, but Olynyk would step in to take the spot.
He is a free agent at the end of the season, so the Lakers may be hesitant to give up too much for him. But being an expiring contract also has perks for the Lakers front office.
Olynyk could be a nice supplemental move for the Lakers and one that could help them become more competitive. It’s a move to think about, and maybe we will see him roaming the three-point line for the purple and gold soon.
