LA Lakers Rumors Roundup: Latest LeBron James and Anthony Davis injury updates, Lakers waiting at least 20 games to make a trade, and more | October 20, 2022
What is the health status of LA Lakers superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis? The latest injury updates for Thursday night's game against the LA Clippers have been revealed.
In other news, Lakers president and general manager Rob Pelinka is not expected to make a trade before the next 20 games. The news comes amid pressure from the fanbase to add more shooting to the team.
On that note, here are the latest rumors about the LA Lakers as of October 20, 2022.
Injury report: LeBron James and Anthony Davis both probable versus Clippers
Following a loss to the Golden State Warriors, the LA Lakers will face the LA Clippers in their home opener on Thursday night.
In the Lakers' most updated injury report, both LeBron James (foot) and Anthony Davis (back) are listed as probable. Meanwhile, Troy Brown, Thomas Bryant, and Dennis Schroder remain out.
James and Davis were also listed as probable for their season opener against the Warriors and ended up playing. It's likely we will see them both on the floor against the Clippers.
The Lakers currently have a seven-game losing streak against the Clippers. If they win, it will be their first victory against the Clippers since July 30, 2020.
Rob Pelinka reportedly expected to wait 20 games before making any trades
Despite previous reports, the LA Lakers are not expected to make any trades in the coming weeks. The Lakers had a disappointing 123-109 loss to the Warriors on Tuesday night. The team shot just 25.0% (10/40) from 3-point range. This has led to immediate pressure from the fans to acquire more shooters.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Pelinka is going to be patient as the Lakers evaluate their options.
“I’m told to expect Rob Pelinka and the Lakers to wait until post-Thanksgiving. ... See what teams might start pivoting. [Teams] who don’t start off well, who may decide to unload players and get involved in the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes,” Wojnarowski said.
"I'm told to expect Rob Pelinka and the Lakers to wait until post-Thanksgiving, 20 games into the season and see what teams may start pivoting, who don't start off well."
@wojespn on what kind of moves the Lakers can make with their roster
https://t.co/F4MNBN7ArR
Wojnarowski expects there to be more sellers than buyers in the trade market this season. This is due to the hype surrounding generational draft prospect Victor Wembanyama. He thinks the Lakers will capitalize off the increase in teams tanking for the first-overall pick:
“The expectation is there will be more sellers this year. You [will] start to see the asking price in trades go down. It’s supply and demand. So expect the Lakers to really get to that 20-game point. Teams [will] reach an inflection point of how they want to proceed."
If the Lakers keep playing like they did on Tuesday night, waiting for 20 games to make a trade could backfire. At that point, it might already be too late.
LA Lakers fans clamoring for Buddy Hield-to-L.A. trade
Rob Pelinka doesn't plan to make an immediate trade. But that hasn’t stopped LA Lakers fans from voicing their displeasure on social media.
Following the Lakers' embarrassing performance against the Warriors, fans took to Twitter to demand major roster changes. The most common request was to trade for Indiana Pacers sharpshooter Buddy Hield. Hield is a career 39.8% 3-point shooter on 7.6 attempts per game. The Lakers could definitely use his skillset right about now.
Here are some of the top fan reactions calling out the Lakers' front office.
buddy hield and myles turner would feel like water in a fucking desert right now
the lakers could reeeeeeeally use someone like Buddy Hield
I wonder if he's available
Go ahead give Indy a call, Rob.
Buddy Hield you are finally a Laker
The LA Lakers previously discussed trading Russell Westbrook and future first-round draft picks for Hield and Myles Turner. However, discussions stalled due to the Lakers' refusal to include their 2027 and 2029 first-round picks.
But if the Lakers continue to struggle from 3-point range, they might be forced to bite the bullet and accept the deal.