During the summer, the Los Lakers made some excellent offseason moves to somehow improve their roster. At the time, it was obvious that the team’s stars were LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and … Austin Reaves. Well, some Lakers fans thought that AR15 was the third star in L.A. But, after the purple and gold squad had a severely mediocre start in the 2023-2024 season, there is a rumbling rumor that the Lakers are looking for an “actual” third star.
During an episode of the The Hoop Collective podcast, ESPN senior writer Ramona Shelburne, Los Angeles fans (and the media) are urging the front office should adjust and try to land another star in Hollywood. Which NBA player should the Lakers take a chance on?
https://twitter.com/TheDunkCentral/status/1722364870140559460
Zach LaVine’s time in Chicago is probably done
An implosion is about to happen in Chicago. The windy city already has a bad start this season and fans are calling to blow up the core of Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vucevic. It’s bad for the Chicago Bulls, but this could be a great opportunity for the Lakers.
"Come fly with me, Zach LaVine!" ✈️💥 pic.twitter.com/RBGxXl8tpA
— NBA TV (@NBATV) November 9, 2023
As fans are calling for a third star, Los Angeles could try to invite LaVine to bring his talents to California. Not only will this be a great boost to the team’s offense, but this will also be a huge experience for the two-time All-Star and Slam Dunk champion. But, L.A. could also choose to take the other guys – DeRozan and Vooch. While we’re at it, there are also rumors that the Lakers could potentially reunite with Alex Caruso, another Chicago Bulls player.
An NBA executive sees the #Lakers pursuing a reunion with Alex Caruso.https://t.co/dRwvsthDe4 pic.twitter.com/D6L9kKMrNF
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) November 8, 2023
The OG Anunoby sweepstakes
Is OG Anunoby already considered a star? For some, maybe. The 7-year veteran has been consistently and effectively contributing to the Raptors’ offense and defense.
OG ANUNOBY. TIE GAME. 🍿 pic.twitter.com/LqOKiwhmCU
— NBA TV (@NBATV) November 5, 2023
Toronto is currently ranked 7th in defensive rating, thanks to Anunoby’s contribution on the defensive end of the ball. The British baller is considered to be one of the best defenders in the league and could be a great help for the Lakers, who are ranked 16th in defensive rating this year. Last year, they were in a better position, as they were ranked 10th in that category.
Trae Young trade: High Risk, High Reward
Despite their success in the offseason, the Lakers greatly missed getting elite guards that were once available in the market like James Harden, Kyrie Irving, Damian Lillard, and even Buddy Hield. However, should it be time to let go of D’Angelo Russell and bring an All-Star point guard to Los Angeles?
This dime from Trae Young was SPECIAL 👀pic.twitter.com/XfkxEp1zxu
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 2, 2023
Trae Young as a third star seems very acceptable for Lakers fans, but it would be a great risk considering the 25-year-old star has been shooting poorly this season. But, what Trae can bring to the table is his playmaking ability, which is in fact, a great help to lessen the burden for LeBron James. In exchange for possibly getting Young, L.A. could offer D’Lo, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and some picks to entice the Atlanta Hawks.
