09.07.2023, 05:03 - hju - Rank 4 - 165 Posts
If you're one of the many ' fans still holding out hope that Rob Pelinka will eventually cave and trade either Los Angeles' 2027 or 2029 first-round pick, or perhaps both, in an attempt to put a competitive team around , you're not going to like the latest report. Per Stadium Insider Shams Charania, the Lakers, considering the way the season has started, are likely to continue resisting moving either of those picks." The Lakers are probably looking at marginal moves around the edges of the roster , at best," Charania said. "That means trying to make deals without putting in first-round JaKarr Sampson Jersey picks." Shams says the Lakers will resist trading first-round picks if the season continues to go down this path. pickuphoop (@pickuphoop) Charania mentions the potential trade everyone loves to talk about: sending and one or both of those picks to the for and . As of now, the Lakers do not seem interested in that swap.It makes sense if you don't believe Hield and Turner are enough to turn the Lakers into a legitimate contender, which Pelinka pretty clearly doesn't. Those picks are valuable. You can understand not giving them up if losing in the first or second round still feels like your ceiling. CBS Sports HQ Newsletter Your Ultimate Goga Bitadze Jersey Guide to Every Day in Sports We bring sports news that matters to your inbox, to help you stay informed and get a winning edge. I agree to receive the "CBS Sports HQ Newsletter" and marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers), and other information from CBS Sports and the Paramount family of companies. By pre sing sign up, I confirm that I have read and agree to the and acknowledge Paramount's . Please check the opt-in box to acknowledge that you would like to subscribe. Thanks for signing up! Keep an eye on your inbox. Sorry! There was an error proce sing your subscription. Malcolm Brogdon Jersey There's an argument, however, that Hield and Turner make the Lakers at least a fringe contender. It would be predicated on staying healthy all season, which isn't a great bet, but LeBron, a suming his shooting comes around, is still playing like a top-10 player, Hield would put a dent in the Lakers' collective shooting i sues, and Turner would be a stretch five to play with Davis to improve the Lakers' spacing and Jermaine O'Neal Jersey rim protection without Davis having to play the five.In either case, it's hard, if not outright irresponsible, to punt on a LeBron James season at any stage of his career, let alone when every one could represent the last top-level basketball he has remaining in his tank. Those two future draft picks are valuable, no doubt, but they're unlikely to net anything close to a LeBron, or an Anthony Davis for that matter. The Lakers are in the busine s of attracting stars, and I wonder what the next potential star is going to think about going to L.A. when they don't appear willing to go Brian Bowen Jersey all in for a title shot unle s they can have their cake and eat it, too. But that's not for me to say. The bottom line is it appears that a 2-8 start to the season hasn't inspired enough enthusiasm within the Lakers' walls to make a potentially shortsighted move, and erring on the side of caution seems to be the preferred play. Maybe that changes if the Lakers go on a decent run and get back, say, to around .500. But that just doesn't feel likely ... without a trade, of course. Click here Click here Click here
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