Lakers coach JJ Redick
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JJ Redick is the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to make a move at the trade deadline to improve the team’s overall defense. The Lakers have been linked to multiple players, but they could also target a Chicago Bulls swingman as backup.
With Herb Jones of the New Orleans Pelicans likely out of the Lakers’ price range, ClutchPoints’ David Yapkowitz named three players as realistic trade targets.
Keon Ellis of the Sacramento Kings is quite possibly the best option in terms of value and contract, while Haywood Highsmith of the Brooklyn Nets is an interesting candidate.
However, Isaac Okoro might just be the right target for the Lakers.
“He is a major upgrade though in terms of what the Lakers have on the wings defensively. While he did not cost the Bulls any draft compensation originally, don’t assume that to be the case for the Lakers. To match contracts, Knecht would likely be involved going back to Chicago, and then an expiring contract of either Maxi Kleber or Gabe Vincent would have to be included as well,” Yapkowitz wrote.
According to Chris Haynes of NBA on Prime, the Pelicans are no longer interested in trading Jones, along with their young core. That means the purple and gold franchise has to go with a backup option like Okoro.
The former No. 5 pick is averaging 8.6 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game this season, with shooting splits of 48/34/77.
Other Options For The Lakers
The Athletic’s Dan Woike had his own trade ideas for the Los Angeles Lakers ahead of the February 5 deadline. Woike acknowledged that Herb Jones is no longer a possible option, but he still put together a trade package for the New Orleans Pelicans star.
Other options were Kentavious Caldwell-Pope of the Memphis Grizzlies, Patrick Williams and Ayo Dosunmu of the Chicago Bulls, Andrew Wiggins of the Miami Heat and Justin Champagnie of the Washington Wizards.
There was also a three-team deal that would net the Lakers a trio of good role players: Saddiq Bey, Keon Ellis and Devin Carter.
But of course, all of it was hypothetical, but KCP is someone the Lakers are familiar with. Williams has untapped potential on both ends of the floor, but JJ Redick and company probably do not have time to see if he develops into the player he could be.
Lakers Have Tough Schedule Amid Struggles
The Los Angeles Lakers enter Monday’s game against the Sacramento Kings on a two-game losing streak. They have also lost six of their last 10 games and are now sitting fifth in the West standings at 23-13.
It’s a tight race in the conference, with the Golden State Warriors being only four games behind at the No. 8 spot. The Lakers’ upcoming schedule doesn’t help, but it’s what the team needs to improve for a potential postseason run.
After visiting the Kings, L.A. returns home to welcome the Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Hornets before flying to Portland to face the Trail Blazers. They then come back home for a showdown against the Toronto Raptors.
But what makes it tough? All five games will be played in seven days.