Originally published by LakersNation.com
The Los Angeles Lakers are in the process of figuring out a plan for the Feb. 8 trade deadline as it quickly approaches. After a skid that saw the Lakers lose six out of eight games, they have to figure out exactly how they want to approach improving their roster within the next six weeks.
The Lakers could bet on internal improvement as they get healthy and solidify rotations. They are certainly a talented enough team to make noise in the playoffs provided they have health. However, the recent skid has brought attention to some flaws in the roster and the types of players that would improve things.
Several potential trade targets have already become the subject of rumors, as it always goes with the Lakers. And while the Lakers have not yet committed to a direction with trades, they reportedly know the skillsets they are looking for, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN via Threads:
“Speed and athleticism are certainly a priority.”
The Lakers, as it currently stands, have a little bit of athleticism in players like Jarred Vanderbilt and Cam Reddish. They also have some speed as evidenced by the fact that the Lakers rank No. 9 in the NBA in pace. However, a quick look at the Lakers roster would say that speed and athleticism are reasonable things to target.
L.A.’s guard rotation of D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, the injured Gabe Vincent and Reddish are not particularly fast or athletic outside of Reddish. Vincent, in theory, fits the description but has not been healthy enough to get on the floor let alone be a game changer.
It’s why the Lakers have reportedly been connected to players like Dejounte Murray of the Atlanta Hawks. Murray is both quick and athletic, and while he is not a perfect fit, he does represent an area of needed improvement for L.A.
The Lakers will soon decide exactly how they want to approach the trade deadline, but the early trade targets reveal what they might be looking for.
Taurean Prince explains finding rhythm for Lakers
One role player that has been excelling recently is forward Taurean Prince. He spoke about his shooting rhythm and how he was able to find it.
“Just being available for those guys that we run the offense through, I think that’s the main thing,” Prince said. “Trying to stay consistent as someone that they can rely on. Then holding myself to the standards that I hold myself to.
“I think that combined is why I’m in a good place right now and then obviously my teammates coming in just stressing me to continue to have that mentality of catching and shooting. With all those factors involved, it’s kind of hard not to feel free and play how you want to to be able to do your job at the highest level when you got everybody backing you.”
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The Los Angeles Lakers are in the process of figuring out a plan for the Feb. 8 trade deadline as it quickly approaches. After a skid that saw the Lakers lose six out of eight games, they have to figure out exactly how they want to approach improving their roster within the next six weeks.
The Lakers could bet on internal improvement as they get healthy and solidify rotations. They are certainly a talented enough team to make noise in the playoffs provided they have health. However, the recent skid has brought attention to some flaws in the roster and the types of players that would improve things.
Several potential trade targets have already become the subject of rumors, as it always goes with the Lakers. And while the Lakers have not yet committed to a direction with trades, they reportedly know the skillsets they are looking for, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN via Threads:
“Speed and athleticism are certainly a priority.”
The Lakers, as it currently stands, have a little bit of athleticism in players like Jarred Vanderbilt and Cam Reddish. They also have some speed as evidenced by the fact that the Lakers rank No. 9 in the NBA in pace. However, a quick look at the Lakers roster would say that speed and athleticism are reasonable things to target.
L.A.’s guard rotation of D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, the injured Gabe Vincent and Reddish are not particularly fast or athletic outside of Reddish. Vincent, in theory, fits the description but has not been healthy enough to get on the floor let alone be a game changer.
It’s why the Lakers have reportedly been connected to players like Dejounte Murray of the Atlanta Hawks. Murray is both quick and athletic, and while he is not a perfect fit, he does represent an area of needed improvement for L.A.
The Lakers will soon decide exactly how they want to approach the trade deadline, but the early trade targets reveal what they might be looking for.
Taurean Prince explains finding rhythm for Lakers
One role player that has been excelling recently is forward Taurean Prince. He spoke about his shooting rhythm and how he was able to find it.
“Just being available for those guys that we run the offense through, I think that’s the main thing,” Prince said. “Trying to stay consistent as someone that they can rely on. Then holding myself to the standards that I hold myself to.
“I think that combined is why I’m in a good place right now and then obviously my teammates coming in just stressing me to continue to have that mentality of catching and shooting. With all those factors involved, it’s kind of hard not to feel free and play how you want to to be able to do your job at the highest level when you got everybody backing you.”
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!
