The Los Angeles Lakers have been pretty active in the trade market, but have not had any luck with any move thus far. When the season began, the Lakeshow looked poised to make a deep playoff run with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves in the backcourt and LeBron James and Deandre Ayton in the frontcourt. However, the cracks became imminent as the season progressed.
The Lakers’ bench could not sustain production for long, and a lack of shooting hands was visible on the perimeter. A desire to improve on those ends has kept the Lakers in trade conversations. Giannis Antetokounmpo has been the center of all trade talks thus far. And the Lakers have been associated with almost every wing or backcourt player available in the market.
Now, as per a report from The Athletic’s Dan Woike, some sources have suggested that the team’s front office was interested in Brooklyn Nets center Day’Ron Sharpe, who scored 19 points and 14 rebounds in the loss to the Lakers. Sharpe is on a two-year, $12.5 deal with the Nets and is averaging 8.2 points and 6.6 rebounds this season.
After a few good games at the beginning, Ayton has had an average season thus far. He is averaging 13.5 points and 8.5 rebounds and has lacked the chemistry with his 2018 draft class partner, Doncic. In the Lakers’ last game, Ayton scored seven points in 28 minutes, while Jaxson Hayes added nine points in 15 minutes off the bench.
However, Ayton is worth $8.3 million, and Hayes is $3.4 million. This might have worried the front office, leading them to allegedly inquire about Day’Ron Sharpe. The management was also rumored to be confused about LeBron James’ contract; however, sources suggested that the team has made a call on him.
The Lakers decide on LeBron James’ future
LeBron James has exercised his $52.6 million player option for this season to stay with the Lakers after the two parties could not reach a conclusion on his extension. Amid this, the news of his beef with Jeanie Buss and the leadership also broke, making the situation even more worrisome.
However, the team decided to keep the 4-time NBA champion for this season at least. The King is averaging 22 points and 6.6 assists in his 23rd season and brings a hoard of playoff and clutch experience.
Luka Doncic and Co. have just two areas to fix if they want to make a playoff run: their defense and bench production. While Rui Hachimura and Gabe Vincent have had a few good shooting nights, consistency has been an issue.
Looking at their cap space and a bunch of expiring contracts due this offseason, the front office might postpone any plans of trade for now and focus on this year’s run. After Austin Reaves’ return to the court in their game against the Nets, the squad will look forward to the remaining regular season and make a final push for the playoffs.
READ MORE: Will The Lakers Make a Trade at Deadline? Insider Explains Rob Pelinka’s Plans Amid Zero Movement
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