After trading for Dorian Finney-Smith, the reports remain consistent that the Lakers will continue evaluating the trade market for more deals.
The Lakers are already reaping the benefits of making an early-season trade to bring in Dorian Finney-Smith. While it’s still early, it’s clear how DFS will help the Lakers on both sides of the ball and impact winning overall.
However, even as they have already seen the rewards, the Lakers don’t sound like a team that’ll be complacent moving forward.
As previously reported, the Lakers intend to evaluate the roster in the coming weeks before making a move. However, what’s clear is that the team still intends to make a move, or at least are saying as much.
During a recent live stream on his YouTube, Jovan Buha of The Athletic further emphasized that the Lakers aren’t satisfied with the roster and will scan the trade market for more upgrades.
“My understanding, as I reported, is that the Lakers are still going to be evaluating the trade market and they are not satisfied with the roster. They want to continue to improve it and explore those opportunities. So, I think a trade is realistic.
Now, does that involve a first [round pick] or not, I think that’s less clear. Again, something I’ve reported on is, when we talk about what other people around the league are saying or thinking with the Lakers, there’s been some skepticism as to them actually giving up a first or certainly giving up both firsts.”
There can be debates about what type of trade the team should make and whether it should be first or second round pick, but the fact they’re still planning on making a deal is encouraging.
While the team has looked better as the season has gone on and perhaps the front office could be convinced that nothing needs to be done, it appears they are not settling for the improvements they’ve made so far.
Part of this could be simply how glaring the needs are. The team needs a backup big man, as Sunday’s loss to the Rockets showed, and every team needs more 3-and-D wings.
What will be interesting is seeing what type of trade they make considering they appear to also value Rui Hachimura, one of the prime pieces placed into fake trades.
Overall, it’s nice to see the Lakers at least putting out the right message, at least for now.
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude.
