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3 moves the Lakers must make in order to become actual contenders

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 28: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball while defended by Andrew Nembhard #2 of the Indiana Pacers during the second half of the game at Crypto.com Arena on November 28, 2022 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 Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 28: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball while defended by Andrew Nembhard #2 of the Indiana Pacers during the second half of the game at Crypto.com Arena on November 28, 2022 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 Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
(Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

3. Sign a legitimate rotation player on the buyout market

This move is not completely in the Lakers’ hands as the team’s buyout options are going to be limited to whatever is available on the market. And typically, if a player is getting bought out they are not a huge addition anyway as their previous team is paying them to play elsewhere.

There are not as many big-name buyout candidates this season as there have been in previous years. Kevin Love is probably the biggest name that maybe could have been a buyout target but the Cavaliers are playing well and Love has a role on that team so there is no reason for them to do that.

Instead, the Lakers might be looking at some of the in-between players that won’t get much value on the trade market. If the respective teams of each player do not get any interest for these players then they very well could be bought out.

Players fitting into this category are the likes of Kelly Oubre Jr, Terrence Ross and perhaps even someone like Josh Richardson. While not huge additions, all of these players are legitimate rotation players that could log minutes in Los Angeles.

The Lakers need to load up on all the talent they can get and we have seen firsthand how important a buyout target could be. Markieff Morris played a somewhat big role on the 2020 championship team, becoming the team’s best shooter from three in the playoffs.

If the Lakers can find someone who can have the same kind of impact that Morris had in 2020 then their chances will certainly be higher.

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