NBA superstar LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers missed out on the playoffs last year. James averaged 30 points per game after 12 years even though he missed some games due to injuries. Additionally, the absence of superstar Anthony Davis was a huge issue for the Lakers last season. The struggles of Russell Westbrook from beyond the arc were a huge factor as well. Many fans demanded Westbrook be traded. The Lakers are off to a shaky start this season as well with a record of 11-15. With LeBron and AD ‘crying out for help’, recent reports have highlighted the Lakers’ potential trade options this season.
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Darvin Ham took over the head coaching role for the LA side this season and Westbrook started coming off the bench. However, the Lakers started the current season poorly with five straight losses. Despite the poor form, Davis and James have been playing at a very high level. However, the duo needs a good supporting cast. So many fans feel the team should bring in some good talents to help the duo.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis need help
A recent report listed some potential additions for the Lakers that could help Anthony Davis and LeBron James. The report concluded that the ‘pair are crying out for help.”
As per the report, Buddy Hield, Myles Turner, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vucevic are touted as potential trade options for the Lakers. However, the Indiana Pacers and the Chicago Bulls might not be willing to make major changes to their rosters.
The report also suggested Bojan Bogdanovic, Kyle Kuzma, Alec Burks, or Kelly Oubre Jr. could be realistic targets for the Lakers.
At the beginning of the season, the Lakers struggled a lot from behind the arc. Bogdanovic is someone who can help in that department. He is an efficient shooter both from mid-range and from the deep. The former Jazz star is averaging 21 points per game this season so far.
Kuzma is a former Laker who had won a ring with the team. He has always spoken highly of James and is a willing team player. The young star has been flourishing ever since his move to the Washington Wizards. Even though he is not very efficient from the 3-point line, he is still a very good player with huge potential who can help in other departments. Kuzma is averaging 21 points per game this season as well.
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Burks would be a good veteran presence on the team with his huge experience. Oubre Jr., on the other hand, has seen a sharp increase in his season average in points from last year.
The Lakers’ big three
The Lakers are slowly recovering from the early slump and now have a record of 11-15. Coming off the bench, Russell Westbrook is averaging 14.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 7.6 assists in 25 games. LeBron James is having an MVP caliber season with a record of 26.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game.
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In the past few years, Anthony Davis was criticized by fans and experts alike for missing many games with injury. This season, Davis looks fit having played 23 games so far and has shut his critics down with huge performances. He averages 27.7 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game. If the front office can land some good players, it will be a huge help for the big three for the Lakers.