3 blazing bold predictions for the Los Angeles Lakers' season

3 blazing bold predictions for the Los Angeles Lakers’ season

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 17: (L-R) Anthony Davis #3, Russell Westbrook #0, and LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers look on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the third quarter of the game at Target Center on December 17, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Lakers 110-92. 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 David Berding/Getty Images) /

2 of 3

Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports /

Los Angeles Lakers bold prediction #2: LA will make a big trade before the deadline

Simply put, Russell Westbrook and the Lakers need to go their separate ways.

The Lakers had the opportunity to either trade the former NBA MVP during the last six months or commit to him for another season. Instead, the Lakers’ front office decided to do the one thing that they absolutely could not; neither.

Now, Darvin Ham and the Lakers are stuck heading into the season with a $44 million dollar player who knows that they don’t really want him there. It is a disaster waiting to happen.

At some point before the trade deadline, it will become clear to Rob Pelinka and company that it is an untenable situation. By February, there will be plenty of teams much more willing to take on an expiring contract of that size to get rid of their own bad deals, so Pelinka can get a trade done without giving up his prized 2029 draft pick.

The Lakers will likely look to bring in shooting help as well as wing defenders. Look for potential targets like Buddy Hield or Josh Richardson.

The current roster in LA is not a championship-contending one, so at least one big move will need to be made in order to give LeBron and Davis a competitive supporting cast. Expect to see one, sooner or later.

Home/Lakers News