The Los Angeles Lakers have already been involved in multiple trade rumors. Although JJ Redick has received some criticism, the Lakers head coach is looking to lead LA to the postseason in his first year with the team. The Lakers want Redick to succeed as the head coach, but they may need to make a move or two in order to improve the roster. Redick revealed what he's looking for on the roster while speaking to reporters before Sunday's Lakers game against the Memphis Grizzlies, via Jovan Buha of The Athletic.
JJ Redick said he’s looking for a complementary player as the fifth starter next to Anthony Davis, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves moving forward.
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) December 16, 2024
Redick said that that player ideally is a good POA defender who doesn’t need the ball and can make 3s. He didn’t name…
Redick wasn't necessarily talking about adding a player from the outside. Rather, he may have been discussing a potential option already on the roster. Redick did not name any specific players, as Buha noted, so it is not certain exactly what he meant. Still, the Lakers head coach's comments could lead to trade rumors.
Redick wants a player in the starting rotation who can play a respectable brand of defense while featuring the ability to connect on three-point shots. LA has been linked to possible center additions. However, they may now emerge as suitors for three-and-D players.
Do Lakers need to trade for another star?
LeBron James is arguably the best NBA player ever. Anthony Davis features an MVP-ceiling. Should the Lakers consider adding a third star to the roster, though?
Adding another star would not necessarily hurt matters. The Lakers' depth has been questionable at times during the 2024-25 season, though. Moving depth players and picks in a trade for a star may not be the team's best option at the moment.
The Lakers are rumored to be interested in improving their depth, something that has been noted in recent years. The primary storyline over the years has been the Lakers' rumored interest in center depth. Perhaps they will look to add more players who fit the role of what Redick said on Sunday.
Depth is pivotal in any team sport. Every great team tends to have role players step up in the big moments. For example, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown led the Boston Celtics throughout the 2023-24 season, but Boston's role players unquestionably made big impacts all year long. The result? The Celtics won the NBA Finals.
The Lakers always receive no shortage of attention during trade season. That will be no different this year. LA will certainly be one of the more intriguing teams to follow before the 2024-25 trade deadline. With James soon to be 40 years old, the Lakers want to win now. As a result, they will likely be aggressive in potential trades.