The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves confronting a familiar challenge: their roster needs reinforcement to contend for a championship.
After stumbling through a 1-3 road trip, the Lakers have shed their early-season momentum. Two crushing defeats punctuated this stretch, contributing to a broader slide that has seen them drop seven of nine games after racing to a 10-4 start.
General manager Rob Pelinka's reluctance to reshape the roster - both at last season's trade deadline and during the summer - sparks concerns about future moves. Yet according to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Lakers have zeroed in on two primary targets:
"All credible signals circulating about the Lakers suggest that L.A. is looking to fortify its frontcourt and add perimeter defense to assist LeBron James and Anthony Davis."
The need for another big man persists, regardless of Christian Wood and Jaxson Hayes's health status. While Anthony Davis anchors the defense, he shoulders too much responsibility protecting the rim.
Meanwhile, Brandon Ingram's name has surfaced in Lakers discussions after switching to Klutch Sports ahead of his impending free agency. The former Laker and No. 2 overall pick shared one season with LeBron James, though their styles clashed - Ingram thrives with the ball, while James now seeks to conserve energy through off-ball play.
However, despite the speculation, reports indicate the Lakers have sidestepped Ingram pursuits, choosing instead to address their defensive gaps and frontcourt depth.
December 15 looms as a crucial milestone, when most newly signed contracts become tradeable. Pelinka must buck his typically cautious approach and accelerate potential deals. His summer inaction has inflated market prices, while the strengthening Western Conference leaves little room for hesitation.
Related: Lakers Open to LeBron Trade Talks as Championship Window Narrows
Copyright 2024 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published December 11, 2024, 8:24 AM.