Lakers News: Rob Pelinka Advised to Trade for 2X Champion Guard After Alex Caruso’s Deal with OKC Thunder

The Los Angeles Lakers have taken their first step to improve their roster. Recently, Rob Pelinka signed JJ Redick to a four-year deal, as the former shooting guard will be the new head coach of the Lakers. Pelinka even gave the steering wheel to Redick to structure the rest of the coaching staff. The Lakers seem to have an incredible amount of trust in Redick right off the bat. However, they are yet to make much bigger changes to the whole roster.

Looking at the current roster in place, the Lakers lack a reliable shooter. The former general manager of the Knicks, Scott Perry, advised the Lakers to opt for their former member, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. KCP joined the Lakers back in 2017 following his four-year stint with the Pistons. He played in LA for the next four years before he joined the Wizards. Scott believes him to be the missing piece to the Lakers’ next contending roster. “He’s a two-way player that would fit seamlessly with this Lakers ball club if they could figure out a way to get him. A lot will have to happen for that to occur.”, said Perry.

KCP has improved his craft significantly ever since he left the Lakers. He’s been much more consistent from the outside and has been quite productive overall. Caldwell-Pope can exercise his player option in a week if he does look to explore his value in the market. The Lakers on the other hand recently missed the chance to obtain yet another one of their former members, Alex Caruso. Caruso was traded to the OKC Thunder for Josh Giddey. Had the Lakers been slightly more active on the market, they could’ve landed the perimeter defender.

Regardless, KCP can be a great fit for the Lakers. However, it is quite unlikely that he would leave the Nuggets, considering their past two seasons. Caldwell-Pope won his second ring alongside the Joker. He played a crucial role in the team’s success, becoming a consistent shooter from beyond the arc. Not only that but he is a solid defender, bringing in more energy down the floor. If the Lakers can’t go this particular way, they can explore other free agents.

The Lakers can eye out some big names this offseason

While KCP can be an asset to look out for, other free agents might just consider wearing purple and gold. Guys like Alec Burks and Bogdanovic of the Knicks can be shooters to look out for. Not only that but close to them in the Bay, there are talks of Klay Thompson leaving the Warriors. This can be an expensive option, however, with Redick being the new head coach, the Lakers front office can get a way through it.

Ever since their recent championship run, the Lakers have struggled to find success in the playoffs. First-round exits, missing the postseason, and frequent changes in the roster, Pelinka and Buss have exhausted every other option. Though this year might just be different for the Lakers. It will be interesting to see how active the franchise will be this summer.

Fans and analysts eagerly await the outcome of these negotiations, hoping the Lakers can secure the right pieces to strengthen their roster for the challenges ahead. Which shooting guard do you want to see play for the Lakers? Let us know in the comments.

Before leaving, be sure to check out some insights that Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato.