With the NBA trade deadline already on the horizon, LeBron James is inevitably answering questions regarding potential moves the LA Lakers are making. It is quite obvious that the aging team needs help, particularly a versatile wing who can shoot and guard multiple positions. Stanley Johnson, who was previously on a 10-day contract, has been signed to a two-year extension because of this need.
While LeBron James was expected to be vague about his answers during a media interview after the LA Lakers practice, it’s a guarantee all options are being checked. The four-time MVP likened the Purple and Gold team’s strategy to what another Los Angeles team in the NFL did before reaching the Super Bowl.
The Odell LeBron James was referring to was Odell Beckham Jr., who the LA Rams acquired back in November after struggling with the Cleveland Browns. Thanks in large part to the 18x All-Star, Beckham Jr. eventually found himself in Hollywood and made significant contributions to the Super Bowl-bound team.
Just how General Manager LeBron James can pull it off for the LA Lakers remains to be seen. Besides the obvious chemistry issues due to players coming in and out due to injuries and virus protocols, the Lakers need some youn g blood. Three of their most important contributors play with the hustle, grit and determination of the young.
Austin Reaves, Malik Monk and Stanley Johnson are unheralded players who earned their keep playing with energy and selfless basketball. The LA Lakers are the oldest team in the NBA and play like it on many occasions. They are slow to get back on defense, easily give up on loose balls and are just plain tired and effortless at times.
LeBron James is confident, though, that without changes he’s ready to roll with what he has on the roster:
It’s looking like it’s going to be a very quiet trade deadline for the Lakers. It also means that LeBron James has to continue his Herculean effort carrying this star-studded but underperforming team to the playoffs
