Well, the free agency market is starting to go dry and the Lakers are yet to make any moves to improve their roster. While most title-contending teams have already upgraded this summer, Rob Pelinka has not had any luck so far. And the GM was struck by the ongoing curse again as he failed to close the deal on another one of his targets, guard, Gary Trent Jr. With this failure, the sword could now be hanging over D’Angelo Russell’s head, as Pelinka might be forced to take some desperate measures to break the free agency curse.

Although the Lakers were among the suitors who were pursuing Trent in free agency, the latest reports revealed that he has agreed to sign a one-year deal with the Milwaukee Bucks. What’s even more heartbreaking for the Laker Nation is that the Bucks only had to pay a veteran minimum $2.6 million contract to acquire the sharpshooter, which Pelinka could have matched easily.

Moreover, while the Bucks are financially in the same boat as the Lakers because of their lack of flexibility, they have somehow managed to add decent players like Trent, Delon Wright, and even former Laker Taurean Prince. A career 14.3-point scorer while shooting 38.6% from deep range, Gary Trent Jr. would have been a steal for any team at a vet minimum contract. But now that Pelinka has missed out on this opportunity as well, a D’Angelo Russell trade might be on the cards very soon as there are not many impactful free agents left in the market.

Because of that, the only way for the Lakers to even think about becoming title contenders again is via trades. Moreover, they do not have a roster spot left at the moment and are only $45,000 below the second apron of luxury tax. So, their options are very limited. And they desperately need a Big Man to provide support to Anthony Davis, which might only be possible if they sacrifice D’Lo.

Who can the Lakers get in exchange for D’Angelo Russell?

While there are a lot of things missing in the Lakers roster to become title contenders again, probably the two types of players they need the most right now are deep-range shooters and reliable Centers. Even Lakers Nation’s Daniel Starkand expressed his disappointment about Pelinka not being able to acquire Gary Trent Jr. in free agency, “In a world where if you are to trade D’Angelo Russell for a Center like we’ve seen the Lakers linked to Wendell Carter or you know Brook Lopez, whoever else is out there.”

“I think Gary Trent would have been a great fit next to Austin in the backcourt in a scenario where D’Lo is not here. So, I think it’s definitely disappointing.” But now that Trent is off the table, Pelinka might need to ramp up his pursuit of a Big Man by making a trade offer for either Brook Lopez or Wendell Carter Jr. A 36-year-old Lopez is still highly productive on both ends and even has Championship experience with the Bucks.

Moreover, adding him would fulfill most of the Lakers’ requirements as he could protect the paint alongside AD and he is also an elite shooter who shot 36.6% from three this past season. Or else, Pelinka could go a different route and acquire a young talent like Carter who averaged 11 points in Orlando this season and is also a 37.4% shooter from beyond the arc. A trade package with D’Lo could get the Lakers their desired player and help Pelinka break the dreaded curse. What are your thoughts?

Before you go, though, be sure to check this video of Leonard Armato’s take on the deadly duo, Shaq and Kobe. Don’t forget to check back in for more such updates from our ES Fancast!