Los Angeles Lakers: 3 potential trade targets to add three-point shooting

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 13: Alec Burks #18 of the New York Knicks sneaks up from behind and knocks the ball out of the hands of Wayne Ellington #8 of the Detroit Pistons in the second half of an NBA game at Little Caesars Arena on December 13, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Detroit defeated New York 99-91. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 13: Alec Burks #18 of the New York Knicks sneaks up from behind and knocks the ball out of the hands of Wayne Ellington #8 of the Detroit Pistons in the second half of an NBA game at Little Caesars Arena on December 13, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Detroit defeated New York 99-91. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

1. Wayne Ellington

Wayne Ellington could re-join the Los Angeles Lakers

Wayne Ellington had a previous stint with the Los Angeles Lakers as he has bounced around various teams in the NBA. Ellington is the model three-point role player that contending teams target for cheap at the NBA Trade Deadline, hence his movement in the league.

Frequent readers of Lake Show Life might remember my previous article about Ellington where I broke down the reasons for and against trading for him. I concluded in that article that the Lakers should let their interest be known, but not get in any sort of bidding war for him.

I also wrote the following, which seems to contradict the entire premise of this article:

"“If the Lakers were a high-volume three-point shooting team then it would make more sense. They have plenty of guys to give them the number of threes that the Lakers are looking to take and make in a game.”"

There is an easy explanation for this: I was wrong. Simply put. The game against the Nets and the other losses against playoff teams that I looked back on made me realize that the Lakers need more three-point shooting options when the other role players cannot get it done.

Ellington is shooting 43.8% from beyond the arc on 6.2 attempts per game. He is a career 38.1% shooter from three-point land.