One of the most important dates of every season is the NBA’s trade deadline and that day is approaching rapidly. As has been the case over the last couple of seasons, many eyes will be on the Los Angeles Lakers and whether or not they will make a move.
The team hasn’t made a trade deadline deal since moving Steve Blake to the Golden State Warriors in 2014 for Kent Bazemore and MarShon Brooks, but many believe that could change this year. The Lakers are looking to get more minutes for their young players and guys like Nick Young, and Lou Williams could help out some playoff teams.
The question is whether or not the Lakers would actually make a move as head coach Luke Walton has spoken highly about the role the vets have played on this team. Nonetheless, Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype hears that the Lakers will strongly consider moving one or more of their vets:
Despite head coach Luke Walton’s negative comments about tanking, executives believe the Lakers will strongly consider this route. If they do, other teams will certainly be calling about L.A.’s veterans.
While moving someone like Williams or Young could hurt the Lakers in the short term as they have been two of the Lakers’ best players this year, the long-term effects could be more important. As has been spoken about before, the team not only keeps their first-round pick this year if it lands in the top-3, but they would also keep their 2019 first-round pick as well, which is owed to the Orlando Magic.
Because of this, many wouldn’t mind the Lakers losing a few more games down the stretch, but Walton isn’t among them as he has openly spoken about his disdain for tanking. Regardless of who is on the roster, Walton will be trying to win every single game down the stretch.
Of course, even if the Lakers do look at trying to deal someone before the deadline, they will surely only make a move if they feel they are getting proper value. They will definitely be a team to watch on deadline day.
