The preseason is underway for the Los Angeles Lakers, and the 2023-24 season offers immense promise. With the deepest and most talented roster they’ve had in years, they have a legitimate shot at winning their 18th NBA championship.
However, there are those who believe they still need one more piece to win it all. Whether that final piece is a defensive-minded center with legitimate size or a legitimate third star, some aren’t totally satisfied with L.A.’s roster at this point.
Jovan Buha of The Athletic told Jason Timpf that he thinks the team will make a trade prior to February’s trade deadline to finalize its roster and bolster its title chances (h/t Lakers Daily).
“I also think the Lakers are gonna make a move at the trade deadline,” Buha said. “I think they are one move away from the final roster.”
The trade chip some think could be used to make that one move is starting guard D’Angelo Russell. Although he figures to be a big part of the team’s success, he played poorly late in last season’s playoffs and has a history of being inconsistent, especially with his shooting efficiency.
Russell signed a two-year contract this summer. The second year of that deal is a player option.