PORTLAND, OREGON – DECEMBER 06: LeBron James #23 and Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers speak during a time out in the second half of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on December 06, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. The Lakers won 136-113, NBA Trades: 2 trades and 3 moves to reshape the Los Angeles Lakers. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers built a championship team based on a defensive identity in 2020. Yet since then, questionable roster decisions have evaporated any identity and transformed them into a team relying purely on individual talent.
The Lakers roster, and constant injuries, left head coach Frank Vogel with a demanding challenge to find different lineups that would work effectively within his system. Ultimately, he couldn’t overcome it, leading to his dismissal as the storied franchise missed the play-in tournament with a 33-49 record.
NBA Trades: 2 trades and 3 moves to help the Los Angeles Lakers on both ends
The Lakers need to recapture their defensive identity next season, with that task appearing difficult as they enter the offseason with little cap space and no major assets.
Los Angeles ranked third in defense during the 2019-20 regular season, then jumped to first the following season. Still, just another season on, their completely revamped roster saw them drop to 21st.
There were two key factors – firstly, the roster moves significantly reduced their size and defensive versatility. They had ten players this season that stood at 6’4 or below, an increase from six last season which included notably good defenders in Alex Caruso and Wesley Matthews.
Secondly, Anthony Davis’ decline in jump shooting, plus the inclusion of Westbrook, hampered the Lakers’ ability to play two big men to protect the paint – Davis, Westbrook, and another non-shooter formed a completely non-viable offensive unit.
New coach Darvin Ham alluded to the Lakers need to reignite their defensive identity, stating, “it starts out on the defensive end and builds out there.” With this in mind, here are five offseason moves the Lakers could make to not only sure up the defensive end for their new coach, but also provide more perimeter shooting.
Los Angeles</a> Lakers built a championship team based on a defensive identity in 2020. Yet since then, questionable roster decisions have evaporated any identity and transformed them into a team relying purely on individual talent.</p>
<p>The Lakers roster, and constant injuries, left head coach Frank Vogel with a demanding challenge to find different lineups that would work effectively within his system. Ultimately, he couldn’t overcome it, leading to his dismissal as the storied franchise missed the play-in tournament with a 33-49 record.</p>
<h2>NBA Trades: 2 trades and 3 moves to help the Los Angeles Lakers on both ends</h2>
<p>The Lakers need to recapture their defensive identity next season, with that task appearing difficult as they enter the offseason with little cap space and no major assets.</p>
<p>Los Angeles ranked third in defense during the 2019-20 regular season, then jumped to first the following season. Still, just another season on, their completely revamped roster saw them drop to 21st.</p>
<p>There were two key factors – firstly, the roster moves significantly reduced their size and defensive versatility. They had ten players this season that stood at 6’4 or below, an increase from six last season which included notably good defenders in Alex Caruso and Wesley Matthews.</p>
<p>Secondly, Anthony Davis’ decline in jump shooting, plus the inclusion of Westbrook, hampered the Lakers’ ability to play two big men to protect the paint – Davis, Westbrook, and another non-shooter formed a completely non-viable offensive unit.</p>
<p>New coach <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/20/nba-trades-los-angeles-lakers-2/"https://lakersoutsiders.com/2022/06/07/quotes-introduction-lakers-darvin-ham/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Darvin Ham alluded to the Lakers need to reignite their defensive identity</a>, stating, “it starts out on the defensive end and builds out there.” With this in mind, here are five offseason moves the Lakers could make to not only sure up the defensive end for their new coach, but also provide more perimeter shooting.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/20/nba-trades-los-angeles-lakers-2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Trade #1 </a>
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<img class="wp-image-445310 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/20/nba-trades-los-angeles-lakers-2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2134,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1239251538.jpeg" alt="NBA Trades, Los Angeles Lakers" width="3200" height="2134" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1239251538.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1239251538-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">MINNEAPOLIS, MN – MARCH 16: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after getting called for a foul against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth quarter at Target Center on March 16, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Lakers 124-104, NBA Trades: 2 trades and 3 moves to reshape the Los Angeles Lakers. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2><strong>NBA Trades: 2 trades and 3 moves to help the Los Angeles Lakers on both ends: Charlotte Hornets</strong></h2>
<p><strong>Charlotte receive: </strong>Russell Westbrook, 2027 1st-Round Pick (Lottery Protected)</p>
<p><strong>Lakers receive:</strong> Gordon Hayward, Mason Plumlee</p>
<p>While Ham claimed Russell Westbrook was a part of the Lakers’ future, a trade with the <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/20/nba-trades-los-angeles-lakers-2/"https://hoopshabit.com/eastern-conference/charlotte-hornets/">Charlotte Hornets has been mooted ever since the conclusion of the regular season.</p>
<p>While the enigmatic point guard seems a strange fit next to budding superstar LaMelo Ball, reporter <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/20/nba-trades-los-angeles-lakers-2/"https://marcstein.substack.com/p/trading-russell-westbrook?s=r%22 target="_blank" rel="noopener">Marc Stein believes that Charlotte could be willing to give up Gordon Hayward</a> <strong>(subscription required)</strong>, who has two years left on his deal, for Westbrook’s expiring contract.</p>
<p>Although Hayward may add to the Lakers’ list of injury-plagued players, the potential upside is certainly there. His offensive versatility would complement LeBron James and Davis, with the 32-year-old offering a catch-and-shoot threat while being a tertiary ball-handler and playmaker.</p>
<p>Despite not being recognized as a defensive stopper, his larger frame and willingness to try on defense would make him a significant upgrade to Westbrook.</p>
<p>Mason Plumlee is added to match salaries, but he’d also provide the Lakers with a solid backup big capable of 10-15 minutes per game. Los Angeles may have to close the deal with their 2027 first-round pick, although, you’d expect that to be heavily protected.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/20/nba-trades-los-angeles-lakers-2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Trade #2, Move #1 </a>
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<img class="wp-image-441468 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/20/nba-trades-los-angeles-lakers-2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2200,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1364531297.jpeg" alt="NBA Trades, Los Angeles Lakers" width="3200" height="2200" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1364531297.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1364531297-768x528.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 12: Talen Horton-Tucker #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Sacramento Kings during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center on January 12, 2022 in Sacramento, California, NBA Trades: 2 trades and 3 moves to reshape the Los Angeles Lakers. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA Trades: 2 trades and 3 moves to help the Los Angeles Lakers on both ends: Indiana Pacers</h2>
<p><strong>Pacers receive: </strong>Talen Horton-Tucker, Kendrick Nunn, 2025 2nd-Round Pick</p>
<p><strong>Lakers receive:</strong> Myles Turner</p>
<p>The Lakers have long wanted to retain Talen Horton-Tucker, however, he failed to take the next step in a reasonably disappointing season. Still, he’s a talented 21-year-old who may yet thrive if given the opportunity.</p>
<p>Will that opportunity come at the Lakers though, with James renowned for not wanting to play alongside younger players? Acquiring Myles Turner in exchange would provide a perfect fit next to Davis, with the pair containing the potential to be the best defensive big man duo in the league. Furthermore, Turner’s three-point shooting would help the Lakers’ offensive spacing and allow Davis to play his preferred role at power forward.</p>
<p>For the <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/20/nba-trades-los-angeles-lakers-2/"https://hoopshabit.com/eastern-conference/indiana-pacers/">Indiana Pacers, they continue their rebuild by cashing in Turner for a younger talent. Bringing in Horton-Tucker may also convince them to scour the league and find an appropriate deal for guard Malcolm Brogdon.</p>
<h2>NBA Trades: 2 trades and 3 moves to help the Los Angeles Lakers on both ends: Donte DiVincenzo</h2>
<p>Filling out the Lakers starting lineup, Donte DiVincenzo would be a complementary piece as a 3&D role player. Now four years into his career, DiVincenzo averaged 10.4 points and 5.8 rebounds on 38% shooting from three as a starter for the Bucks during their championship season. He’s since struggled with injuries and was traded mid-season to the <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/20/nba-trades-los-angeles-lakers-2/"https://hoopshabit.com/western-conference/sacramento-kings/">Sacramento Kings.</p>
<p>The Lakers have little in the way of cap space to be able to sign him, however, the promise of a starting role and the lure of Los Angeles may entice DiVincenzo into a one-year minimum deal to increase his value for next offseason.</p>
<p>This final move could complete a starting line-up of DiVincenzo-Hayward-James-Davis-Turner, a unit with far greater balance and versatility than what we’ve seen recently. That’s a big lineup with the capacity to re-ignite the team’s defensive standing within the league, and while there are no direct sharpshooters, all five players could provide a three-point threat if Davis were to improve that area of his game.</p>
<p>Of course, injuries may well plague them much like this season, however, given the Lakers’ lack of roster flexibility at present, these are the kind of risks they need to take.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/20/nba-trades-los-angeles-lakers-2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Move #2 and Move #3 </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 03: Malik Monk #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to his three point basket in the second half against the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on February 03, 2022 in Los Angeles, California, NBA Trades: 2 trades and 3 moves to reshape the Los Angeles LakersOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA Trades: 2 trades and 3 moves to help the Los Angeles Lakers on both ends: Re-sign Malik Monk</h2>
<p>Although Malik Monk contributed to the Lakers defensive woes this season, he was still a rare individual positive in an otherwise disappointing season for the franchise. The former Hornet averaged a career-high 13.8 points, shot a career-high 47.3% from the field, and shot 39.1% from three-point range.</p>
<p>Those numbers may entice a team to offer Monk a contract the Lakers simply can’t match, however, he should still be considered a high priority for the Lakers to retain, if possible.</p>
<p>Heading into his sixth season, Monk is still on the rise and could foreseeably become one of the best sixth men in the league regardless of which team he’s on. An offensive scoring punch capable of playing 30 minutes a game, Monk could continue his ascension into a Jordan Clarkson-type mold.</p>
<h2>NBA Trades: 2 trades and 3 moves to help the Los Angeles Lakers on both ends: Sign an experienced wing</h2>
<p>One of the biggest issues for the Lakers was their lack of wing options and subsequent absence of lineup versatility. It’s something they need to rectify during the offseason, although it may appear difficult given their lack of cap space and question mark regarding championship contention.</p>
<p>Ideally, this wing would be capable of playing 15-25 minutes per game at either forward position. Playing alongside James, the player should be a competent open shooter who can be a serviceable defender.</p>
<p>Think of Otto Porter Jr. and what he provided for the <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/20/nba-trades-los-angeles-lakers-2/"https://hoopshabit.com/western-conference/golden-state-warriors/">Golden State</a> Warriors in their championship run this season. Porter himself could be available, however, if he were to sign another one-year minimum deal, you’d expect it to be at the Warriors.</p>
<p>A more realistic option could be the injury-plagued TJ Warren, who like Porter before him, has had a torrid run with injuries over the past two seasons. His free agency will be a fascinating watch, with the possibility he follows Porter’s path in signing a one-year cheap deal to recoup his value for the following offseason.</p>
<p>If Warren does decide to follow that path, then the Lakers should put themselves well and truly in the frame. Again, a move fraught with danger and risk, but that’s the only reason you’ll get him on a cheap deal anyway.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="3 offseason trade ideas for the Boston Celtics" data-url="https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/20/nba-trades-boston-celtics/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/20/nba-trades-los-angeles-lakers-2/"https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/20/nba-trades-boston-celtics/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> 3 offseason trade ideas for the Boston Celtics </a> </div>
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