NBA analyst urges LA Lakers to trade for Kyle Kuzma or Bojan Bogdanovic to give LeBron James "a fighting chance"
NBA analyst Jason Timpf believes that the LA Lakers should opt for a couple of moves this offseason to give LeBron James a fighting chance.
The Lakers are currently 13th in the Western Conference with a 16-21 record. James has been in top form, but their lack of 3-point shooting and perimeter defense has been exposed multiple times this season. LA needs a change in direction quickly, with Anthony Davis also not nearing a return.
Timpf believes that instead of giving up on the current group, the Lakers should sign a couple of players to solve their most obvious issues. One player Timpf believes is a natural fit is Kyle Kuzma, who has previously played alongside LeBron James in LA.
Appearing on the "Game Theory Podcast," Timpf said the following:
“When you try to put guys in the right toles, things will even out. I am a big believer that a couple of moves on the periphery. For starters, it will give LeBron a fighting chance. But then when Anthony Davis comes back, everything is in place.
"I feel Kyle Kuzma fromm the Washington Wizards. He was awesome for LA the last time. He directly deals with the size issue at the perimeter and has a natural cutting chemistry with LeBron.”
NBA Analyst backs LA Lakers to make moves this offseason
Anthony Davis provides size and a scoring threat, something the LA Lakers have struggled to replicate in his absence. LeBron James is currently playing at a high level and is shooting at over 58% from the field. The likes of Dennis Schroder and Westbrook have also produced some big performances of late.
Thomas Bryant has also looked like a better defender in recent games and produced 18 points and 15 rebounds in the match against the Charlotte Hornets. LA still have a decent chance of making the playoffs and are still on track for a play-in spot. Timpf believes the situation will improve with a couple of moves:
“I still like Bojan Bogdanovic. There are other guys as well. Such as Patrick Beverley for a Rudy Gay. At the end of the day, if LeBron is gonna play this good and AD will return to his pre-injury levels at some point, they deserve a fighting chance. Give them a fighting chance.”
3-pointers tonight:
8 — Hield + Turner
5 — Lakers starters https://t.co/XtN5a4cTQx
Needless to say, while the Lakers are nobody’s favorites for the title this time around, they still have a decent chance of making it to the postseason.