3 trades to make the Los Angeles Lakers a contender this season

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 07: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on January 07, 2023 in Sacramento, 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 07: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on January 07, 2023 in Sacramento, 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
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The Los Angeles Lakers have the foundation to be a title-contending team this season. Regardless of everything else, the duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis is still the scariest in the league. No other duo presents as much star power and matchup headaches as LeBron and Davis.

Yet there is still a disconnect between the organization and the fanbase. Lakers fans see the potential that is there with this team while the franchise is being timid. The front office doesn’t seem to think that the title window is that small with an aging LeBron James.

If LeBron gets his way and convinces the front office to be aggressive, there is a three-step plan the team can attempt to take to turn into legitimate title contenders.

The Los Angeles Lakers would be a title contender with these three trades:

3. The smallest of the bunch 

Admittedly, this trade doesn’t do that much in terms of making the Los Angeles Lakers a title contender this season. However, it would still have a positive impact on the team and is worth making because of that.

Reddish’s time with the New York Knicks is eventually coming to an end and the Lakers have been tied to the former lottery pick more than any other team. For the Lakers, who are taking more of a long-term approach at this deadline, it makes sense to trade an expiring contract with a pick that isn’t even theirs for a recent lottery pick with untapped potential.

He might only have a small role with the Lakers this season but he could be someone who really blossoms once the Lakers get their hands on him with their excellent player development.