Ideal Lakers Trade Target Now Available
The Lakers should target a dynamic guard now on the trade block after missing out on several offseason moves. It’s been a challenging offseason for Lakers fans.
The NBA Draft was a success with Tennessee star Dalton Knecht falling to No. 17 overall, and selecting Bronny James ensured LeBron stays for at least another season.
However, the team has not added any significant players for the upcoming season, and available talent is dwindling.
Fortunately, there’s a player looking for a new team who could be a good fit for the Lakers.
Lakers Could Add Scoring Threat With Anfernee Simons Trade**
Trail Blazers reporter Sean Highkin recently indicated that Anfernee Simons might be traded as Portland continues its rebuild.
It would be logical for Portland to trade Simons, who is set to make just over $53 million in the next two seasons, to get maximum value rather than letting him leave in free agency for nothing.
The Lakers need guard depth, especially with their interest in trading point guard D’Angelo Russell.
If Russell is traded, the Lakers would be left with Austin Reaves, Gabe Vincent, Jalen Hood-Schifino, and Bronny James as their guards, a lineup that doesn’t inspire confidence for a playoff run.
Simons could be a solution, especially if the Lakers don’t acquire Trae Young from Atlanta, as expected.
At 25 years old with six years of NBA experience, Simons fits the profile of shooters that new head coach JJ Redick aims to add this offseason.
Simons is coming off his best season, averaging 22.6 points and 5.5 assists per game, shooting 38.5% from 3-point range and 91.6% from the free-throw line as Portland’s top scorer.
Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant, who Highkin also reported might be traded, could be included in a Simons deal, adding depth and much-needed 3-point shooting (Grant shot 40.1% from deep last season).
While it’s not the marquee acquisition Lakers fans hoped for, Simons could be a better asset than other linked players, like the soon-to-be 35-year-old DeMar DeRozan.
