The Los Angeles Lakers started the 2022-23 season in a disappointing fashion with four consecutive losses. The Lakers’ roster seems to lack the firepower to secure a victory despite the presence of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook. The franchise tried to trade Westbrook away this offseason after a terrible 33-49 record last season. However, the Lakers were reluctant to include their two first-round picks from 2027 and 2029 just to send Westbrook away.
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Recently, some NBA analysts suggested that the Lakers might be saving their first-round picks to acquire Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard next season, leaving the NBA fans berserk.
The Los Angeles Lakers roster clearly lacks shooting ability which is a crucial factor to win games. The Lakers are having a tough time dealing with Russell Westbrook and his $47.1 player option has restricted the Lakers to make any drastic changes in their roster.?
Are the Lakers eyeing Damian Lillard?
A Bleacher Report analyst suggested that the Lakers might not have given up on their first-round picks to get Damian Lillard to the team. He suggested that the Lakers could possibly trade Anthony Davis for Damian Lillard. However, he pointed out that Lillard recently signed a massive two-year extension with the Trail Blazers and is unlikely to be available for trade this season.?
Thus, the Insider said the Lakers will have an opportunity to acquire Lillard, (a better version of Kyrie Irving) next season to play alongside LeBron James. The expert said, “The second that Damian Lillard becomes available for a trade package, I’m shipping AD expresso… as fast as humanly possible to the Portland Trail Blazers.”
“If I’m the Lakers, the only reason I wouldn’t go ahead and trade those two first round picks, is if I’m eyeing someone like Dame Lillard,” he added.
Fans react to latest trade update
The recent suggestion from the NBA expert has left the NBA world in a frenzy, as the Lakers find themselves in a complicated situation. One of the fans commented,?“Damian Lillard to Lakers?”?Here are some of the reactions from the fans.
VVS_ wrote,?“Keep picks and Russ.”
Cobie commented,?“Hot take: Anthony Davis isn’t a LeBron-like star, he’s just a star.”
Solid_kev wrote,?“Either trade Russell Westbrook or send his a** home.”
Superstarrmade said,?“Trade that mf.”
Further, LeBron-Jams quoted,?“Gotta act quick. Build that chemistry too.”
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FYT2019 shared,?“Why does everyone want to fix the Lakers?? Let them s*ck.”
rjdavis23 suggested,?“Delusion. This ain’t 2K.”
I_Am_Jayson reckoned,?“Trade LeBron for shooters.”
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The NBA fans seem to have been left divided by the Lakers trade update regarding Damian Lillard. The six-time All-Star could certainly fit well alongside LeBron James if the Lakers manage to acquire him next season.