The Los Angeles Lakers are trying to find consistency as the All-Star break approaches. Young star Austin Reaves is on the cusp of returning after suffering a calf injury on Christmas Day. However, the bigger mission remains satisfying Luka Dončić and his desire to compete for championships.
“Dončić being just 26 gives the Lakers a far longer timeline to build a championship-contending team, but that doesn’t mean they can slow down and take their time. Dončić told Lakers president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick in May that he’s not interested in taking the slow approach in building a contender,” CBS Sports’ Jasmyn Wimbish wrote.
Dončić has always been at his best when paired with a strong big man. The Lakers acquired Deandre Ayton, but he has recently faced heavy criticism for his lack of effort.
“The s–t I’m witnessing from him right now is disturbing to watch him on the floor,” ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins said. “He does nothing athletically, he’s not going to lunge for basketballs, he’s not going to make the extra effort – like I just don’t get it. Sooner or later, if I’m beefing with 10 people and I got a problem with 10 people and 10 people got a problem with me, it ain’t the 10 people that’s the d**n problem. Sooner or later, I got to go check myself.”
With these concerns in mind, Lake Show Life’s Syvatoslav Rovenchuk suggests the Lakers pursue a trade for 76ers big man Andre Drummond.
“Drummond could be a good boost to the frontcourt too. That is especially true after the 76ers center added a respectable ability to stretch the court on offense. In short, there is a lot for the Lakers to like in a potential deal with the 76ers. The real matter would be if Los Angeles has enough to send back to Philadelphia to make any interest mutual. If there is, there should be some real conversations to be had between the two sides,” Rovenchuk wrote.
The Lakers are in need of two centers who are willing to give maximum effort whenever they step on the floor. Jaxson Hayes brings that energy on a nightly basis, but Ayton appears to be slipping back into old habits.
With just a week remaining before the trade deadline, the Lakers may need to act quickly if they want to be legitimate contenders. Drummond is a veteran presence who could provide exactly what Dončić needs in the frontcourt.
