The Lakers are rolling! They have won their last three home games and sit comfortably in the sixth spot of the West standings. But one bad stretch can push them back to the play-in scenario. Sure enough, they need to make a big move before the trade deadline to avoid that from happening. And it looks like Rob Pelinka has his eyes set on a former Lakers star.

As per veteran analyst Jovan Buha, “I think Lonzo Ball is someone that’s going to be on their radar.” Yes, the GM could bring back the oldest Ball brother for another run with the LA franchise. Well, Lonzo was drafted second overall by the Lakers eight years ago. But his first run with the team was disappointing to say the least and many even deemed him a bust.

However, Lonzo has turned into a star since then and even bagged an $80,000,000 contract with the Bulls. And Buha believes Pelinka could give him a second chance at the right price, which is one or maybe two second round picks. Obviously, anything above that would not make sense because Lonzo recently returned from a two and a half year hiatus, dealing with multiple knee surgeries and is still injury prone.

But a couple of second round picks is a decent offer as Lonzo is still a high IQ player, averaging 6.4 points and nearly four assists. Moreover, he can guard one through three because of his 6’6 frame and would be a solid backup playmaker. “I think he’s someone who’s an interesting gamble for them.” Buha added. Apart from Lonzo, the analyst also suggested Bruce Brown, Collin Sexton, and Malcolm Brogdon as potential trade options.

Well, acquiring either of them would help ease some locker room tension for the Lakers. Latest reports suggest that Anthony Davis and LeBron James are ‘growing concerned’ about Pelinka’s ability to make ‘significant’ additions. Hopefully, bagging a solid guard like Lonzo will lower those concerns.

JJ Redick understands Rob Pelinka’s dilemma amid LeBron James and Anthony Davis’ concerns

Although the Lakers have two tradeable first round picks available, Pelinka has been reluctant to give them up until he gets a star in return who can help them achieve sustained excellence. Of course, LeBron won’t be here for too long as he is already forty, and there needs to be a plan to keep the franchise on top following his departure. So, the first-round picks become extremely crucial. Maybe, that’s why the GM has not gone all-in on making a big trade until now.

Even JJ Redick understands the complexity of the situation and said, “There’s a lot of factors that go into making any trade. I think the new CBA makes it more complicated… And then you certainly have to factor in what our group is now and the value of keeping future assets.” Well, the deadline is approaching and Pelinka needs to decide quick between saving up for the future or going all in with LeBron and AD. What do you think he should do?