I understand people are upset with the current roster/record, but I think the Lakers are close to being a title contender...They just need to make the right trades. The Lakers have beaten the Bucks, Pelicans, and Nuggets......and played close games against Boston/Philly which they would've won had AD sealed the deal at the FT line......Despite the poorly constructed roster. LA could easily be 16-11 (4th place) ...They choked away 4 games (Philly, Bos, Indy, Port).....Lebron/AD have 10 DNP's (9 missed gms total) and AD left 1 gm in the 1st qt. Should LA make the playoffs, Lebron/AD IMO are the best 1/2 punch in the league, especially with the rest in between games.
I also don't understand why people are hung up on LA not trading two 1st rd pks (2027/2029)...The Lakers have 3 other first rd picks nobody talks about:
* The Lakers have a 2023 pk (Pelicans have a right to swap)
* LA will get the 2024 or 2025 1st rd pk (Pelicans get to choose)
* Plus they own their 2026 1st rd pk & 2028 1st rd pk - But they can't trade the picks due to the Stepien Rule (teams cannot go back-to-back years without some kind of first-round pick).
So, as it stands right now.
Future 1st rd pks:
2023 - Pelican can swap
2024 or 2025- Pelicans get to choose
2026
2027
2028
2029
The Lakers still have multiple first rd picks even if they trade the 2027 & 2029 1st rd pks. Trading two picks will not destroy the Lakers' future.