This season, the Los Angeles Lakers hope to contend for another NBA championship. The squad had a strong start to the season, but the front management will probably need to make a significant trade before the February deadline if they hope to be a serious contender.
Los Angeles’ roster is full of gaps, namely on the wings and in the frontcourt. However, in an effort to assemble a more competitive squad, the organization has also been linked to some elite players.
Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report compiled a list of the top trade targets for each NBA team, with LaMelo Ball, the standout player for the Charlotte Hornets, being identified as a target for the Los Angeles Lakers.
In addition to LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Ball would give the Lakers a third-star player. His ability to create plays would complement the two stars and provide them with additional firepower to compete for a championship.
The star’s past with the franchise would be the largest barrier to landing Ball. Years ago, Los Angeles selected his brother, Lonzo, who was later transferred by the Lakers.
LaVar, his father, has always criticized the Lakers organization for trading Lonzo. LaMelo, however, might not care and prefer to play for his local team.
Along with Davis, LaMelo would make a great addition to the Lakers’ post-James era star combo. LaMelo’s averages with the Hornets this season have been 31.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, 6.9 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.
James would not be under as much pressure to lead the attack if he were to acquire a player like LaMelo. Los Angeles players have been weak in the guard’s ability to get his own shot on the offensive end of the court.
Being among the best in the NBA, LaMelo, Davis, and James would immediately elevate the Lakers to the status of a title contender. LaMelo is the type of player that Los Angeles would sell the farm for, but it would be quite expensive to acquire him from Charlotte.
LaMelo still has a lot more basketball left to play because he is only 23 years old. Los Angeles should try to strike if he were to become available, but this is only one method the Lakers can get better.
