The Los Angeles Lakers have had an up-and-down start to the season as they head into their Christmas Day matchup with the Golden State Warriors. LA sits at seventh in the Western Conference with a 16-13 record, and they currently rank 17th in offensive rating (111.5), 21st in defensive rating (114.5), and 21st in net rating (-3.0).
LeBron James and Anthony Davis have been available almost every night too, as the two stars have only missed three games combined. The Lakers need to make moves to improve the roster but have little to work with. Nonetheless, with trade season approaching, here are three things that should be on the Lakers’ trade wishlist.
3) Parting ways with D’Angelo Russell
Russell has played the worst basketball of his career this season. He is averaging his lowest points per game (12.5) and his lowest three-point percentage (33.5 percent). He is shooting below league average at the rim (56 percent), above the break threes (35.3 percent), and is shooting 37 percent on jump shots.
Russell was benched earlier in the season due to his poor performance and has come off the bench for the Lakers for the last month. Trading him for a better depth piece, preferably a three and D wing, should be LA’s number one wish this holiday season. Speaking of…
2) Shooting, shooting, and more shooting
LA is near the bottom of the league in three-point frequency (26th), three-point percentage (23rd), and attempts (27th). In a league where the three-ball is king, they need more floor spacing to elevate their ceiling.
When two players command so much defensive attention in James and Davis, having reliable floor spacers will limit the amount of pressure they have offensively, especially when they need someone to kick out of double teams.
We have seen this season what Dalton Knecht’s floor spacing has done for the offense, so adding more shooters will be a big help.
1) Trading for Walker Kessler
The Lakers have tried to find big men to pair with Davis for the last couple of seasons and have had limited success. From the injuries to Christian Wood to the inconsistencies of Jaxon Hayes, LA needs to shore up that spot and Kessler is the perfect fit.
In 22 games this season, Kessler is averaging a career-high in points (10.5), rebounds (10.7), and blocks (2.9). He is a great finisher at the rim and is elite at protecting it on the other end as well. Opponents are only shooting 43 percent against the big man this season.
Davis has been elite defensively for the Lakers, but he cannot do it alone. Having an elite rim protector like Kessler can help LA’s defense make tremendous strides on that end, but his trade price may be too rich for GM Rob Pelinka’s blood.