Dec 18, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Buddy Hield (24) celebrates a made basket in the second half against the New York Knicks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Although Anthony Davis may be out a while, the Los Angeles Lakers have three trades they can make in order to power through to the playoffs.
Just when the Los Angeles Lakers were starting to thrive, something seemingly inevitable had to happen.
While Anthony Davis was amidst one of the best stretches of his career, the popular “joke” running around social media revolved around the big man getting hurt at some point.
Unsurprisingly and unfortunately, Davis indeed suffered an injury. For the Lakers, one insider even believed it could end up being worse than initially reported.
If Los Angeles is to make it through to the other side, without Davis, then they’re going to need some help. Never count out a team with LeBron James on the roster, especially when he’ll likely push the envelope in order to make a deal or two happen.
3. Trades the Lakers need to make with Anthony Davis out: Buddy Hield
The first deal Los Angeles should look at making is for Indiana Pacers guard Buddy Hield, who is having a strong year thus far. If the Lakers want scoring, then Hield could be a top option.
On the season, Hield is posting 17.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.0 steal per game while shooting 44.7 percent from the field and just under 40 percent from 3. With the Pacers currently looking at a spot in the play-in tournament, it’s tough to know if they’d be willing to move Hield. However, if the Lakers tossed in a first-rounder, things could get interesting.
Lakers Get
G Buddy Hield
Pacers Get
G Patrick Beverley
G Kendrick Nunn
2027 1st Round Pick (Top-5 Protected)
2023 2nd Round Pick (via CHI)
In the trade, Los Angeles gets Hield. Meanwhile, the Pacers would come away with Patrick Beverley, Kendrick Nunn, a 2027 first-rounder and a second-rounder in 2023.
The last minor detail: Los Angeles has a bit of insurance should they be in total rebuild mode four years down the road. The pick they have to give up for Hield is top-5 protected in 2027. So, if all else fails, the Lakers will get to hold onto that selection if they’re well on the way to a top lottery position.