The Los Angeles Lakers have always been tipped to trade one of the better point-guard centers on the NBA trade market. Brook Lopez, Walker Kessler, Jonas Valanciunas and Myles Turner have been linked to the Lakers, but their recent decline in the playoffs has forced them to change their priorities.
The Lakers were once the best team in the Western Conference and were expected to improve their offense. However, they are 4-6 in their last 10 games, which is disappointing. For the most part, the Lakers have been one of the best offensive teams in the NBA, while their defense has lagged behind. Over the past 10 games, the offense has fallen behind the defense, and the Lakers are ranked 27th in both offensive and defensive ratings.
In an effort to boost his scoring, skill and off-court performance, the Lakers had to trade with the Toronto Raptors for Kelly Olynyk, who averaged 10.3 points and 5.2 rebounds while shooting 36.9 percent from 3-point range. build a career. .
In the final year of his contract, Olynyk owes $12.8 million. The rebuilt Raptors could accept a D’Angelo Russell offer and a second-round pick for the championship, but that won’t happen until the trade deadline.
First, Olynyk is recovering from a back injury and has yet to play. Additionally, Russell’s current $18.6 million cap hit could be used to offset a trade for a higher-priced or better player.
If the Lakers pursue Olynyk, it will be a long, frustrating process for the offense and a lack of better options.
