Lakers: Pass or pursue 4 “realistic” trade targets to help LeBron James

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 20: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball guarded by Duncan Robinson #55 of the Miami Heat at Staples Center on February 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 20: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball guarded by Duncan Robinson #55 of the Miami Heat at Staples Center on February 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Should the Los Angeles Lakers pass or pursue Duncan Robinson?

The second proposed target for the Lakers is sharpshooting role player, Duncan Robinson. Robinson was a really important piece to the Miami Heat making the NBA Finals in 2020 but this season has been a down year for the fourth-year player.

Robinson was still fine from three as he shot 37.2% from beyond the arc this season. If that is the floor of what Robinson can shoot from beyond the arc then that is very good sign for his career as a rotational player in the league.

However, like Gordon, Robinson is a really bad defensive player that gets hunted on the other side of the court. The result of this has been Robinson slipping out of the playoff rotation, averaging just 11.2 minutes per game thus far in the playoffs.

Like Gordon, Robinson is also making a lot of money next season as his cap hit is $16.9 million. Los Angeles would not have to attach a third player, but would likely still have to trade THT, Nunn and probably a protected first.

As bad as Robinson has been at times this season for the Heat, they are still going to want to get actual value in return for him if they were to trade him. That would force the Lakers’ hand in including picks for a player who does not really add anything new to the team and is very expensive.

Verdict: Pass