The Los Angeles Lakers’ roster is undoubtedly much improved from a season ago.
Adding DeAndre Ayton eliminated the franchise’s low-post void, and bringing Marcus Smart on board helped Los Angeles create a more hard-nosed defensive identity.
Still, the 11-4 Western Conference franchise could look to make additional roster adjustments to boost its title odds.
Is Los Angeles open to the idea of trading for a point guard to help complement Luka Doncic in the backcourt? According to Lakers insider Jovan Buha, the organization has reportedly made its stance clear.
“No,” Buha said when asked if acquiring a point guard is a viable option for the Lakers. “To my knowledge, no. You have enough ball handling with Luka, Austin (Reaves), and LeBron (James). … I think that’s one of the last areas the Lakers really need.”
Los Angeles would be better served searching for another big man to share frontcourt responsibilities with Ayton.
Jaxson Hayes has the physical tools to be a more impactful center for the Lakers, but his offensive limitations have forced Ayton to be the star of the show for Los Angeles in the low post (Hayes is contributing 5.3 points and 4.1 rebounds per game this season).
Assets like Lauri Markkanen, Daniel Gafford, and Domantas Sabonis would appease Doncic from a pick-and-roll perspective and make life easier for Ayton moving forward.
It’ll be interesting to see how Rob Pelinka and Los Angeles approach the trade season.
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