The Los Angeles Lakers are 21-21 on the year and sit eighth in the Western Conference.
Given that this group came into the season with championship aspirations, it’s safe to say they’ve severely underperformed thus far.
Changes must be made.
Fortunately, it appears as though some may be on the horizon.
According to HoopsHype NBA insider Michael Scotto, L.A. has its eye on three-point marksman Gary Trent Jr. He revealed this and more on his most recent podcast episode.
“The Los Angeles Lakers have been doing their due diligence around the league, and expressed interest in [Toronto] Raptors guard Gary Trent Jr., according to league sources.
“One of several players they’ve checked in on. However, I don’t see a deal happening between those teams at this time since it would likely have to involve Talen Horton-Tucker and Kendrick Nunn from a salaries perspective.”
The interest is understandable. Trent Jr. is averaging 16.4 points per game on 42% shooting from the field and 37% shooting from beyond the arc. In addition, he also chips in nearly two steals per game.
When one of your best players hasn’t made a three since late December, obviously three-point shooting is a matter that needs to be addressed. As a unit, the Lakers currently rank 14th in the NBA from beyond the arc.
Clearly, Trent Jr. would provide a huge boost to this offense, but it remains to be seen if a deal can ultimately get done.
That prospective deal aside, L.A. has also spoken to two separate teams about a trade centering around Russell Westbrook. What will ultimately happen there remains to be seen.
Along the same lines, the Lakers are also one of four teams in serious contention for Indiana Pacers big man Myles Turner. On that front as well, time will tell if they’ll actually be able to get that deal into the end zone.
Clearly, L.A. needs to do something to turn their season around. A trade of some sort must happen. But at the moment, it’s difficult to see whether they’ll be able to get it done.
More must-reads: