The Los Angeles Lakers are trying to get the ball rolling after a prolonged stretch of bad basketball. The team is in a position where it needs to satisfy the wishes of both LeBron James and Luka Doncic. All James wants is to play for a contender.
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“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Rich Paul told ESPN. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but values a realistic chance to win it all. We greatly appreciate the eight-year partnership we’ve had with Jeanie (Buss) and Rob (Pelinka) and view the Lakers as a critical part of his career.”
Doncic knows it will take time for the Lakers to build around him, but like James, he wants to win now.
“The fact that Dončić is only 26 years old gives the Lakers a much longer timeline to build a championship-contending team, but that doesn’t mean they can slow down and take their time. Dončić told Lakers president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick in May that he’s not interested in taking a slow approach to building a contender,” CBS Sports’ Jasmyn Wimbish wrote.
With the current roster, the Lakers know a trade must be made to become a legitimate contender. It turns out that the Lakers are asking about Miles Bridges from the Charlotte Hornets.
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“The Bucks, Clippers, Kings and Lakers have all recently shown exploratory trade interest in Miles Bridges. The Hornets appear open to moving Bridges for the right price. Bridges is averaging 19.1 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists this season for Charlotte,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.
The Lakers would benefit from adding a player like Bridges, a tough guy who will defend his team when necessary. He can also operate near the rim, and Luka Doncic will find a way to get the ball to him.
While the Lakers will likely need to make multiple trades to achieve their goals, acquiring Bridges would be a step in the right direction. Los Angeles is looking to make some much-needed changes in the coming weeks.