"If the first 20 games don't go well for the Nets...who knows what's going on in Phoenix" - Former NBA champion speculates Lakers exploring mid-season trade options to provide help to LeBron James
Despite strong performances from LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the LA Lakers opened their 2022-2023 season with a defeat against the Golden State Warriors. Former NBA player and current analyst Richard Jefferson shared his thoughts on why he believes the Lakers will improve the roster during the season.
Speaking on his podcast, Road Trippin', Jefferson said:
"There's no way to honestly look at that roster with those two picks and think that you're gonna waste a year of LeBron James. He didn't sign multiyear extensions, he's not gonna just go through this entire year losing again for whatever.
"There's gonna be a move at some point in time before the season's over, there's going to. I don't think there's a basketball mind that doesn't think that. That's why I don't think they're done so I can't judge them off of what I see right now because I don't think that this is going to be their team."
After discussing the potential trade for Myles Turner and Buddy Hield, Jefferson continued:
"The Lakers, they feel like they might be able to get something better out there. If the first 20 games don't go well for the Nets. There's some Draymond drama. Who knows what's going on in Phoenix. They feel like there's a couple of things out there that are floating that maybe a better deal can pop up.
"Theyre not gonna allow it to get to the trade deadline. They're not gonna allow it to get that far, but they're gonna give it like 10-15 games before they pull the trigger."
Giving up their two best future assets didn't make much sense unless a star was available to join LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The Lakers wisely continue to wait the situation out.
Watch Richard Jefferson's comments on the Lakers below (starting at the 0:20 mark):
The LA Lakers lack depth on their roster
One of the biggest takeaways from the Lakers' season-opening defeat was their lack of depth, both in the frontcourt and on the wings. They often played a three-guard lineup alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. While getting Dennis Schroder back from injury in a few weeks should help their overall depth, he is also another guard.
Thomas Bryant's recovery from injury will help with size in the frontcourt, however, Bryant is not known for his defensive presence. The quick fix would be to make the aforementioned trade with the Indiana Pacers.
The Lakers 'seriously considered' sending Russell Westbrook and their two unprotected first-round picks (2027 and 2029) to the Pacers for Myles Turner and Buddy Hield, per @ShamsCharania, @jovanbuha and @sam_amick
Rob Pelinka chose to "remain patient" to see how L.A. jells https://t.co/fa5KFg4X6m
Instead, the Lakers will play a waiting game, hoping that a star will become available prior to the trade deadline.
Prior to the 2022-2023 NBA season, LeBron James signed a contract extension with the Lakers. Many expected James to leverage his potential free agency into forcing the Lakers to make a move, however, he chose to remove the potential distraction by re-signing.
James' new two-year, $97 million contract will kick in prior to the 2023-2024 season. He possesses a player option for 2024-2025 and many expect him to utilize his option to opt out so he can play with his son. With James and the Lakers locked in for at least two seasons, the team will look to win their 18th title in franchise history.
The LA Lakers' next game is against local rivals the LA Clippers on Oct. 21.