Lakers' fans are not very good at exercising patience for coaches and players. The immediacy to win now has taken full effect in Los Angeles as the team has hit a season-low over the last three weeks.
Since LeBron James’ groin injury, Los Angeles has gone an ugly 5-9. Struggling to get any momentum, the Lakers need a spark. Now, some are calling for head coach Luke Walton to be fired and others are demanding to ship the young core off to New Orleans in exchange for Anthony Davis (not going to happen).
The frustration is real, but the idea that the Lakers will acquire an All-Star caliber player this season is not.
Deep down fans know Los Angeles probably won’t be able to pull off a trade for Anthony Davis. The Wizards will not give up Bradley Beal unless Los Angeles includes untouchable prospects, like Kyle Kuzma or Lonzo Ball. Sorry to say it, but get used to Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s atrocious shot selection for the remainder of the season.
Los Angeles knows that is not the long term solution, and the front office is currently exploring any opportunities to improve the roster. Recent reports confirm Kuzma and Ball as untouchable, so President of Operations Magic Johnson and General Manager Rob Pelinka are probably dangling Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and Ivica Zubac to the rest of the league.
Zubac's recent play has been impressive, and Los Angeles should hold onto him especially in light of JaVale McGee’s regression as of late. Although Laker fans have been pretty bipolar towards Ingram, Ingram is going to be a star, and Los Angeles should keep him. As for Hart, he’s been on a slump lately, but the shooting touch will return.
When all is said and done, Los Angeles should keep the young core intact. There is no point in selling valuable young assets when All-Star caliber talent will not be coming to the Lakers in return.
How about a former All-Star? Carmelo Anthony anyone?
Many see Melo as a toxic player, and past his prime-which he is. The Lakers may not need more veteran input, but Anthony can still score at a successful rate. While coming off the bench for Houston, albeit for ten games, Anthony averaged 13 points and a field goal percentage slightly above 40.
Los Angeles could use some scoring off the bench, and someone to stretch the floor. LeBron James has made it clear in public and on social media that he would love to play with Carmelo, who is one of his closest friends. The two came into the league in the same year and would have un-matchable chemistry.
Obviously, Magic and Pelinka are going to do what they think is best for the team, but do not be surprised if they let James have this one.
Panicking now and making an unnecessary move when James and Rondo have been on the shelf would be irresponsible. Let us not forget how dangerous this team was when they were healthy. At their peak, Los Angeles defeated the Warriors and were a confident fourth seed.
If Los Angeles continues to struggle after James and Rondo return, expect the Lakers to make a move. Desperation is on the rise in Los Angeles, but any move by the Lakers will not feature word blockbuster.
Instead of looking for a quick splash, Los Angeles should play conservatively this season by taking a risk on Carmelo Anthony. The move will not please many, but Los Angeles' eyes need to be directed toward the offseason rather than the trade deadline.
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*preview photo credited to ClutchPoints.com
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