Should the Los Angeles Lakers pass or pursue rumored trade target P.J. Tucker?
Lastly, and certainly, the most compelling name on the list, the Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly in the mix of contending teams looking to get their hands on P.J. Tucker of the Houston Rockets. As reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on last Saturday’s edition of NBA Countdown:
"“The Lakers have been active. I know they’ve made calls about some wing players to see if there is some shooting available out there. Another player they’re interested in: P.J. Tucker from the Houston Rockets.”"
Tucker is among the hottest trade targets on the market right now, and the widespread interest among contending teams is unquestionably justifiable. The veteran has made a living in the NBA as a tenacious defender, utilizing his 6’5″, 245 pound stature to take on even the toughest of opponents. That defensive prowess would be a substantial boost to LA’s frontcourt, particularly with their best defensive player Anthony Davis missing time.
While Tucker brings plenty to the table defensively, his offense does cause some hesitation for the Lakers. The swingman is averaging just 4.7 points while shooting 37.5 percent from the floor and an abysmal 32.9 percent from 3-point territory. For an LA team in the hunt for more shooting, Tucker’s current woes are not ideal. However, he has been a relatively solid shooter throughout his career, and that could make the Lakers more willing to take the gamble.
The biggest issue in any deal is financial problems. Tucker is by far the most expensive target on this list, making just under $8 million this season. That poses a significant challenge for the Lakers, but it could be worth the cost. If they can work out the financial kinks, pursuing P.J. Tucker is a no-brainer for the Lakers.