Things in Los Angeles are getting slightly better, thanks to the resurgence of Anthony Davis. After a slow start to the season, Davis is currently posting 27.5 PPG, 12.3 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.3 SPG, and 2.3 BPG on 59.3% shooting from the field, 32.1% from three, and 83.1% from the free-throw line. Not to mention, the Lakers just ended their 3-game losing streak and their record is not as atrocious as it used to be. LeBron said it best, it was good to see the Lakers end their road trip with a win:
“We started off the trip so well then we had some injuries and some illnesses, and it kind of threw our rhythm off. We had everybody back in the lineup tonight but we were able to finish the trip off .500, and we’re going home.”
LeBron seemed solid last night, posting 35 points while Davis continued his excellent play by dropping 34 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists. Fans rejoiced, and so did most of us because those are excellent numbers from one of the best duos in the NBA. Anthony Davis, specifically, has been solid considering his stats. Those are superstar numbers from a player who should be considered top-five in the game. But unfortunately, Davis’ play still won’t be enough to get the Lakers into the postseason and make them contenders.
The only way for the Lakers to get back into championship contention is to package the frontrunner for 6th Man of the Year Russell Westbrook and some valuable first-round picks for star players. It took gigantic efforts from both James and Davis to have a victory against the tanking Detroit Pistons, so while things are getting a bit better, it still isn’t great. Luckily, there are teams across the NBA that will be willing to take a one-year-rental for a former MVP that is best suited to a bench role. Here are the three trades the Los Angeles Lakers should make to become contenders again.
The Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Lakers have been in conversation all summer long with the two first-round picks preventing things from going through so far. Buddy Hield and Myles Turner are what the doctor ordered for the Lakers in terms of shooting and defense. Hield is shooting 39.8% from three over his career while Turner is one of the best shot-blockers in the NBA. Losing the two first-round picks will hurt the Lakers in the long term, but going after another championship is far more important.
Los Angeles has a chance to compete by bringing in an elite sharpshooter but also adding in a center who has led the NBA in blocks and can also hit outside shots. Surrounding two shooters around LeBron makes a ton of sense, and Turner provides cover for Anthony Davis by giving the All-Star a chance to return to his favored power forward position. The Lakers have broken their three-game losing streak, but they need to reach another level by bringing in two starters. The new lineup would then become LeBron James, Lonnie Walker, Buddy Hield, Anthony Davis, and Myles Turner.