The Los Angeles Lakers have a long grind ahead, embarking on yet another rebuild that will hopefully reap dividends. They do have the young pieces together and stand to add one more if the NBA lottery goes their way.
If all goes well, the Lakers could land either Lonzo Ball or Markelle Fultz. However, there are plenty of twists to consider. That includes addressing the roster needs of the Lakers.
Will Lakers overstuff its backcourt?
Right now, the Lakers have the likes of D’Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson and David Nwaba manning the backcourt. Head coach Luke Walton tried Brandon Ingram at the two-guard spot though he seems better at small forward.
If the Lakers take in either Ball or Fultz, they are expected to serve as backups. Such is the usual process, and both are no exception. But what if the Lakers shake things up? A trade is not far-fetched so anything can happen. Here are some scenarios.
Lakers trade away their pick
Though Lonzo Ball and Markelle Fultz are big names, the fact is that they have not proven anything yet in the NBA. Seeing how the Lakers have been patient developing the likes Russell, Clarkson, Randle and Ingram, the Lakers top brass may have grown tired of waiting.
Ball or Fultz could be dealt in a trade plus some other Laker players. Among the vets who could be dealt include Nick Young, Luol Deng, and Timofey Mozgov for as long as the salaries involved tally.
Lakers trade existing guards
Conversely, the Lakers could deal away their proven players like Clarkson or even Russell. Both have proven their stock, and several teams would unsurprisingly be interested.
The one left between Clarkson and Russell would be the regular starter with either Ball or Fultz waiting in the wings. One breakout game may spell the difference, meaning the retained veteran cannot relax.
Who are the franchise player candidates?
Two names which the Lakers could go after are Paul George of the Indiana Pacers and Jimmy Butler of the Chicago Bulls. George is reportedly interested in the possibility, one that may likely get spurred if the Pacers exit early in the current NBA playoffs.
The Pacers are down 0-2 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the road ahead is expected to get tougher.
George did call out his teammates after the game two loss, but it may take more than that to pull this one out.
Butler has been shining for the Bulls but has frequently been mentioned in NBA trade talk. Bulls management is unpredictable so anything can happen. Expect the coming summer to be a heated one for the Lakers and all teams aching to rebuild.
