The Los Angeles Lakers are in the back half of the regular season and still have questions surrounding them. However, it’s just a matter of time before they figure things out—or the season blows up for them. They are in a strong position to contend if they can resolve some issues, which is exactly what LeBron James was hoping for since the summer.
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship," James’ agent Rich Paul told ESPN. "He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we've had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.”
The Lakers made only one move at the trade deadline, acquiring shooter Luke Kennard in exchange for Gabe Vincent.
“The Los Angeles Lakers have acquired guard Luke Kennard from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for guard Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round pick, the team announced on Thursday night,” ESPN wrote.
While that was a solid move for the Lakers, they passed on a trade that could have improved their defense. The team was in talks with the New Orleans Pelicans for Jose Alvarado but decided to back out, allowing the New York Knicks to acquire him instead.
“Hindsight is 20/20, and maybe it's unfair to claim the Los Angeles Lakers should have traded for Jose Alvarado instead of (or in addition to) Luke Kennard at the trade deadline. But in a season which the Lakers have played Nick Smith Jr and Bronny James and signed Kobe Bufkin, guard depth has been more of an issue than fans want to admit. Alvarado, a defensive menace, was dealt to the Knicks for nothingburger picks, cash, and Dalen Terry,” Lake Show Life’s Quinn Everts wrote.
The Lakers chose to go after an offensive player, which has helped LA significantly, but defense remains their biggest struggle. Alvarado would have provided the spark the Lakers need on that end.
Paired with Jarred Vanderbilt and Marcus Smart, the Lakers could have had a formidable defense with Alvarado. This is something to watch this summer, as the Lakers may take a different approach and pursue solid defenders to strengthen their roster.