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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

The Los Angeles Lakers were touted as the favorites to retain their championship this season. But injuries and an imbalanced roster of inefficient players became their biggest Achilles heel.

With the champions’ seeing their dynamic duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis playing through injuries, the Lakers crashed out in the very first round. While injuries did play a key role in the champions’ downfall, the lack of floor spacing and a quality point guard was a gut wrenching blow.

USA Today via Reuters

The point guard position has been a problem for the Lakers ever since they brought in Anthony Davis. LeBron James certainly flourished in the 2019-20 season as the primary PG for the team. But the 4-time All-Star wanted a change, and the Lakers brought in Dennis Schroder.

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Lakers reported as potential suitors for Lonzo Ball

With Schroder likely entering the free agency this off-season, the Lakers might be looking for replacements for the German. According to Marc Stein a familiar name in former lottery pick Lonzo Ball has emerged as the champions’ next target.

In his latest newsletter, the NBA insider wrote, “Word is that the Lakers, on top of their well-chronicled need for more shooting, covet one more difference-making playmaker who would allow James and Davis to spend more time at power forward and center.”

“Expect to eventually hear of them searching for potential pathways, however obstacle-strewn they would be, to reacquiring restricted free agent-to-be Lonzo Ball for that reason.”

Schroder certainly had a mixed season. Brought in as the replacement for Rajon Rondo, the German guard was impressive in the regular season. But Schroder fizzled out pretty soon and had a horrible post-season.

His lofty demands are not helping the German either. Demanding a whooping salary of $25-30 million per year, the Lakers might be looking for some other replacements. As far as other options go, Lonzo Ball might be the best one available for LeBron and Co.

The former lottery pick has incredible court vision and is a much willing passer in comparison to Schroder. Ball has also shown an incredible leap in his shooting numbers and can be a threat from the perimeter.

But getting him from the Pelicans might be a tough task as he is a restricted free agent. Will the Lakers be willing to offer a big money deal to their former guard or will they prefer a seasoned veteran?

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