The LA Lakers are eyeing upgrades at the trade deadline amid an uneven stretch since they started 15-4. LA is 10-22 since struggling to beat teams with a better record. Lately, the team has also faltered against underdogs. While the defensive concerns remain, despite rostering two complete offensive players like Luka Doncic and LeBron James, LA’s issues on the other end might be just as alarming.
The Lakers have struggled to get production from their role players. Their bench averages a league-worst 25.7 points, nearly five points fewer than the LA Clippers, who average 30.3 bench ppg. As a result, the latest NBA trade rumors suggest the Lakers are eyeing Michael Porter Jr. He’s an acquirable target, earning $38.3 million this year.
Porter Jr. has been one of the hottest names on the market after drawing significant reported interest from the Warriors, Bucks and Pistons, among other teams.
Here’s what Action Network’s Matt Moore reported on Tuesday:
“Have heard about a lot of talks between the Lakers and Nets the past two years and they did the DFS trade already so there’s a relationship. Claxton would be a very good get, but there’s also the possibility of their going in for MPJ.”
The Lakers can offer one of their 2031 or 2032 first-round picks with a combination of Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber’s salaries to complete the trade. Michael Porter Jr. averages more points combined than this trio of Lakers’ role players. Porter Jr. has produced 25.7 ppg, 7.4 rpg and 3.2 apg, shooting 39.8% from 3-point range.
His numbers suggest he can contribute beyond his scoring. Porter Jr. is a solid rebounder and long-range shooter. LA is making only 11.9 3-pointers per game on 34.8% shooting. At 6-foot-10, he also provides tremendous size and length on the perimeter, making him a decent defender against wings.
Should the Lakers prioritize Michael Porter Jr. over adding more defensive depth?
The Lakers could be in a pickle here if they are interested in trading for Michael Porter Jr. They would need to weigh their needs on offense and defense when considering a move like this. If LA goes through with it, most of the defensive concerns would still exist, as this trade could exhaust all assets.
On the other hand, Porter Jr.’s numbers this year and potential as a long-term replacement for LeBron James on the wings make compelling cases for the Lakers to go all-in. They would have three players from the same draft class with him, Luka Doncic and Deandre Ayton, who are all the same age.
A potential decision to stop the trade will likely be to round out the roster with more two-way players who can contribute equally well on both ends of the floor. If the Lakers do it, it would seemingly be considered a long-term move as the brass continues to build a championship window for new franchise centerpiece Luka Doncic.
For now, it seems like pursuing Michael Porter Jr. might be the right move. The market for 3-and-D wings isn’t lucrative and is unlikely to improve at the deadline. Despite the defensive concerns that would remain, Porter Jr. will be a tremendous fit and would elevate LA in the stacked Western Conference with his offense alone.
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