The Los Angeles Lakers continue to remain inactive this offseason, causing increasing worry among fans as the 2024-25 NBA season draws near.
Lakers insider Jovan Buha thinks the Lakers need to capitalize on the upcoming season’s trade market. Responding to a Lakers fan’s concern about the team’s lack of roster improvement, the insider said the Lakers’ in-season trade activity will determine their chances at contendership.
“I would say if the Lakers don’t make a trade, it’s a wasted season, in my opinion,” Buha said. “Just because I don’t think, as currently constructed, they are a legitimate championship contender with their current roster. So, if they don’t go for it and trade at least one of their picks, that, to me, is a wasted season.”
This past season, the Lakers suffered a 4-1 playoff loss to the Denver Nuggets, finishing seventh overall in the Western Conference. Given their aging stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, many are expecting that they will rebuild their roster this summer.
Buha alluded to the Lakers’ 2029 and 2031 first-round draft picks that they could use if they want to make an all-in trade. However, their willingness to use it will depend on the team’s current strength to challenge the Western Conference’s top contenders.
So far, they haven’t acquired any established players from free agency apart from former Memphis Grizzlies guard Jordan Goodwin, who they signed on an exhibit 10 deal. They’ve also only drafted rookies Dalton Knecht and Bronny James and extended their deals with LeBron James and Max Christie.
Perhaps Los Angeles’ biggest offseason move has been the signing of neophyte coach JJ Redick, replacing Darvin Ham. Los Angeles Lakers fans are concerned that the team may yet have another underwhelming season.
Los Angeles Lakers standing pat acceptable in one scenario, says insider
While discussing the possibility of the Los Angeles Lakers’ upcoming season being a dud, NBA insider Jovan Buha outlined one scenario in which zero in-season trades would be acceptable for the team.
That scenario, according to Buha, would involve their rookie coach JJ Redick making ideal rotation adjustments as well as their younger players like Austin Reaves and Max Christie stepping up. Only if these changes happen does Buha think it would be acceptable for the Lakers to stand pat.
“The one caveat would be they’re the No. 1 or 2 seed in the West, they’re on a 60-win pace, they’re having an incredible season, D-Lo’s balling out, Austin has taken a step, Max has taken a step off the bench, they’ve figured out the right starting combination and everything’s humming, that’s the one caveat,” Buha said.
However, that will just be a what-if scenario, given that the West is currently a stacked conference.
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