3 MOVES THE LAKERS MUST MAKE AFTER SECURING LEBRON EXTENSION

The Los Angeles Lakers have a long list of things to answer after their season was cut short for the second straight year at the hands of the Denver Nuggets.

They decided to change voices, adding J.J. Redick as the head coach. Shortly after the Redick hire, they took Dalton Knecht and Bronny James in the 2024 NBA Draft, focusing on free agency and the trade market.

Los Angeles can take a major sigh of relief as they agreed to terms with LeBron James, keeping him in town for at least the 2024-25 season.

Now that LeBron is locked down, the focus pivots onto the rest of the organization. Below, we'll discuss three moves the Lakers must make after LeBron's extension.

1. Add More Athletic Wings

The Lakers know their two best players are in the frontcourt. James will be entering his 22nd season in the league so he can't be expected to have the same workload and shoulder the same burden.

Meanwhile, Davis has a history of getting knicked up throughout the year so it would be wise for the Lakers to add some players to the frontcourt. Cam Reddish is not going to cut it next season. Los Angeles badly needs some athletic, two-way threats in the frontcourt.

The Lakers need someone who can consistently draw defenders offensively while being a solid defender. A player like Isaac Okoro would be nice for Los Angeles.

He can guard multiple positions, hit an open perimeter shot, and actively cut to the rack. Last season for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Okoro averaged 9.4 points and three rebounds per game and shot 39% from downtown.

Caleb Martin is someone else to keep an eye on. Martin can score one-on-one and defend opposing swingmen. Last year for the Miami Heat, he logged 10 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game.

2. Find a Way To Acquire DeMar DeRozan

The Lakers must add more quality and reliable players around the LeBron James and Anthony Davis duo. The time is ticking on this duo playing together in Los Angeles, so the time is now for Rob Pelinka.

James was willing to take a pay cut if the team was able to sign one of Klay Thompson, James Harden, or Jonas Valanciunas.

The Lakers struck out on all three and now have shifted their attention to DeMar DeRozan. Both sides have mutual interest, but the Lakers must find a way to get this done. DeRozan won't sign an MLE contract, which is around $13 million.

So that means the Lakers must find a way to dish out D'Angelo Russell, who opted in for the final year of his contract for $18.7 million. Finding a third team to take on Russell's deal is needed if they want to acquire DeRozan.

The 34-year-old is a smooth bucket-getter who thrives in the mid-range area. DeRozan is still effective attacking the rim would give Los Angeles another veteran scorer.

Even though he's not the best defender, adding a talent like DeRozan alongside James and Davis would be a massive boost. Missing out on everyone who James had on his 'short list' wasn't the best feeling for the Lakers but there is a chance to add an All-Star player.

Back in 2021, it was widely assumed that DeRozan was joining the Lakers but they ended up trading for Russell Westbrook instead. Now they have a chance to right their wrongs and bring the hometown kid to Los Angeles.

Find a way to get it done Pelinka.

3. Add More High Floor Players to the Backcourt

The Lakers need to add some more athletic difference-makers to the backcourt. D'Angelo Russell played well in the regular season but became a ghost once the NBA playoffs started. He's also a major liability on the defensive end.

Austin Reaves is a smooth ball handler and shot creator, but defense isn't his strong suit. The Lakers need to add more capable perimeter defenders who are disruptive. Los Angeles asked Davis to be Superman on defense far too often this past season.

Another player who was basically a non-factor last year was Gabe Vincent. He signed a three-year, $33 million deal back in 2023. He only suited up in 11 games for the Lakers, averaging 3.1 points and 1.9 assists per game.

This backcourt needs some more dynamic guards. With LeBron James turning 40 years old this season, it's imperative Los Angeles adds some quality ball handlers and playmakers. That will take some pressure off James and allow him to play off-ball more.

In addition to that, having athletic and instinctive defenders puts opposing offenses into difficult situations which leads to turnovers and easy points in transition.

Someone they should target should be Tyus Jones, who is a terrific floor general. Jones is very trustworthy with the basketball and does a great job spacing the floor. This past season, Jones became the first player to lead the league in assist-to-turnover ratio in five consecutive seasons.

Last season with the Washington Wizards, Jones averaged 12 points, 7.3 assists, 1.1 steals, and shot 41% from downtown.

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This article was originally published on lasportshub.com as 3 Moves the Lakers Must Make After Securing LeBron Extension.

2024-07-04T12:03:42Z dg43tfdfdgfd