The Los Angeles Lakers are trying to get the ball rolling after a prolonged stretch of poor basketball. The team is in a position where it needs to satisfy both LeBron James and Luka Doncic’s wishes. All James wants is to play for a contender.
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” 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.”
Doncic knows it will take time for the Lakers to build around him, but, like James, he wants to win now.
“Dončić being just 26 gives the Lakers a far longer timeline to build a championship-contending team, but that doesn't mean they can slow down and take their time. Dončić told Lakers president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick in May that he's not interested in taking the slow approach in building a contender,” CBS Sports’ Jasmyn Wimbish wrote.
With the current roster, the Lakers know a trade must be made for them to become a legitimate contender. It turns out the Lakers are inquiring about Charlotte Hornets’ Miles Bridges.
“The Bucks, Clippers, Kings, and Lakers have recently shown exploratory trade interest in Miles Bridges. The Hornets appear open to moving Bridges for the right price. Bridges is averaging 19.1 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists this season for Charlotte,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.
The Lakers would benefit from adding a player like Bridges—someone tough who will stand up for his team when needed. He can also operate near the rim, and Luka Doncic will find a way to get him the ball.
While the Lakers will likely need to make multiple trades to reach their goals, acquiring Bridges would be a step in the right direction. Los Angeles is looking to make some much-needed splashes in the coming weeks.