The Los Angeles Lakers accomplished a lot during the NBA trade deadline. Los Angeles was the most active team at the deadline and was able to get both younger and more talented without giving up that many assets in return.
It is safe to say that fans are pleased with the deadline that Rob Pelinka and the front office put together. There is still a lot of work to do and the team still has to go out and win games but the Lakers are now better suited for this season and the immediate future.
The next order of business for the Lakers is the buyout market. Los Angeles currently has 14 rostered players, leaving room for one buyout signing without having to make any subsequent moves.
That buyout signing could end up being a reunion for the Lakers with how the market is shaking out. However, the team may want to hold off on any potential reunion as there could be a dream target available if LA stays patient.
Alec Burks could hit the buyout market as a dream target for the Lakers.
Updated potential buyout market:
— The Lead (@TheLeadSM) February 9, 2023
John Wall
Russell Westbrook
Derrick Rose
Alec Burks
Patrick Beverley
Terrence Ross
Nerlens Noel
Rudy Gay
Will Barton
Danny Green
Kevin Love
Serge Ibaka
Reggie Jackson
Dewayne Dedmon
Corey Joseph
George Hill pic.twitter.com/CoKBY3uczj
There are already several players from that above list that have been bought out or are in the process of working on a buyout. Alec Burks is not yet one of them but if the small-market Pistons want to save money and want to commit to the tank then it very well could happen.
Burks is making over $10 million this season and has a club option for the 2023-24 season. That allows Detroit to easily work on a buyout that can benefit both sides. It can help Detroit accomplish its goal while doing Burks and his agent a favor to potentially set up future relationships.
Burks would instantly come to the Lakers and be a 15-20-minute rotation player that would fill a sizeable void. The Lakers do not have a true small forward on the roster and while Burks is more of a two-guard, he would be the best small forward option on the roster.
He would also add an immense shooting presence to Los Angeles. While his game is not super dynamic, he can knock down threes as an off-ball shooter. Burks is shooting 41.8% in 4.6 threes per game. That is special.
Of course, Detroit does not have to do this. If Burks if part of the team’s future plans then there is no reason to buy him out now. At the very least, they could hold onto him and trade him as an expiring next season.
3 contenders the Lakers are now better than after the deadline
The Los Angeles Lakers improved at the trade deadline and are now a better basketball team than these three championship contenders.
But $10 million is a lot to pay someone who is only a shooter, especially for a small-market team. If Detroit wants to free up that cap space then Burks becomes arguably the most tantalizing buyout player available.