USA Today via Reuters
Jan 4, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) reacts against the Sacramento Kings in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 4, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) reacts against the Sacramento Kings in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The season for the Los Angeles Lakers had been kind of an embarrassment. They are currently in the 9th spot in the West and are two games behind .500. Their offseason move to get Russell Westbrook has not worked out so far and Russ is having one of his worst seasons to date. Their decision to keep Talen-Horton Tucker instead of Kyle Kuzma seems like a bad one as THT has failed to impress.
Many fans and experts have asked the Lakers to blow up this experiment and salvage their season if it’s still possible. The Lakers have tried to see what they can get for their assets but so far have come up empty-handed. Their only good signing in the season has been that of Stanley Johnson, who has impressed enough to become a permanent member.
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 14, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) and guard Talen Horton-Tucker (5) celebrate win against San Antonio Spurs at Staples Center. The Lakers win 114-106. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
The Lakers will hope to get some help from the trade market. But recent reports are not very encouraging. Marc Stein, a sports reporter suggested that there is no market for the Lakers. He said that the value of THT has decreased dramatically and there is very little possibility that Russ has a market. He even said that the Lakers will have to pay a heavy price for even a decent asset. Stein told that the fans shouldn’t expect any moves happening nearing the deadline.
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.@TheSteinLine's @SpotifyGrnroom sessions are always full of trade scuttlebutt (his Substack subscribers can get recordings) and the latest was no exception.
Here was what Marc had to say on a few notable Lakers topics:https://t.co/JHmFOvF9TK pic.twitter.com/JoP4eO8HrT
— Harrison Faigen (@hmfaigen) February 2, 2022
“This Season is Done”: Lakers Fans go Berserk after trade updates
The Lakers fans were shocked to learn that there is no market for their players. They went to Twitter to express their anguish and disappointment. Here are some of the best reactions:
This season is done either way, so better not to burn the little trade capital they have for the offseason.
The summer of 2023 can't get here fast enough.
— JP (@jptalkstrash) February 2, 2022
I’m afraid another risky deal that could harm Lakers’ future more than a no deal trade deadline. I’m kind of content with 1 chip and rather wait to see our team get healthy first.
— Binh Nguyen (@BinhNguyen41) February 2, 2022
— Allstare Grunwald (@AllstareGrunwld) February 2, 2022
Told you we shoulda got rid of THT last year! I hope whoever held that dude in such high regard feels stupid af right now. We coulda had Lowery and all this crap we got going on right now wouldn't be happening.
— Irvine Bryant (@TheRealib3) February 2, 2022
It's February second and their isn't no trades yet?!?!?!? @Lakers pic.twitter.com/DspyMKETSQ
— AdamIsKing🤡 (@AdamIsKing38) February 2, 2022
In other news, what are we gonna do to save this Lakers season? Rob got 9 days and I ain’t hear no trade rumours yet. pic.twitter.com/ys64OQ2NxQ
— . (@CheyanneBabeey) February 2, 2022
Lakers on the phone with them like “we never said no trade-backs right?” https://t.co/6650LxWgEi
— John Kearney (@jkearney1331) January 28, 2022
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Yeah, Lakers are doomed this szn. And no LeBron on Wednesday, oof. Lakers have to make moves to prepare for next szn. Scout the players you wanna get next szn, think about trades, think about coaching candidates, etc. https://t.co/uqzX8X7VxP
— be_rad93 (@be_rad93) February 1, 2022
The season so far
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The Lakers have been downright poor at times and to make matters worse; they have been hampered by injuries to stars. LeBron James and Anthony Davis have missed considerable time this season, and this has impacted the team chemistry as well. When you’re two best players are in and out of the lineup, it’s hard to build any kind of rhythm and flow.
However, with LeBron playing like the best player in the league, the Lakers will feel they have a shot. Anthony Davies is still one of the top 10 players on his best day and he just needs to figure out a way to stay healthy. Russ has shown signs of his brilliance, but he will do that on a more consistent basis. With seemingly no help to come from the market, the Lakers will have to make do with what they have.
