The Los Angeles Lakers have completed one of the most surprising moves in NBA history, acquiring Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks. Maybe the deal’s ultimate rating will be different in a few years, but for now, it’s one of the most lopsided moves the league has ever seen.
The Mavericks acquired superstar big man Anthony Davis from the Lakers, but giving up one of the finest players in the NBA, who is also on course to finish his career as one of the greatest basketball players in history, seemed absurd.
After the initial shock of the transaction has worn off, it’s time to consider the roster that LA General Manager Rob Pelinka has created and how the pieces fit together. (Not that you would say no to obtaining Doncic, regardless of suitability.)
Davis is an excellent defensive big man in the NBA, but Doncic is one of the league’s worst defenders. LeBron James’ defence, or rather his effort on most nights, has decreased with age.
The Lakers also have Austin Reaves and Dalton Knecht on the wings, who are also offensive-minded players. Finding a defensive-minded centre to replace Davis appears to be the next step for Los Angeles if it wants to challenge for a championship in 2025.
That makes one of the Chicago Bulls’ most available players appear like a bad match. On paper, perhaps he is. However, the Lakers lack tradeable assets and have a significant void in their frontcourt. Perhaps it is time for Los Angeles to contact Chicago’s general manager, Marc Eversley.
The Bulls’ Nikola Vucevic may make sense as a Lakers trade target.
LA’s roster has only three centres: Jaxson Hayes, Christian Koloko, and Trey Jemison III. Rui Hachimura and Dorian Finney-Smith might fill in as small-ball centres on occasion, but the Lakers lack starting-caliber big men without Davis.
Enter Chicago’s Nikola Vucevic, who is readily available if Los Angeles wishes to make a play for him. According to Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press, Pelinka isn’t done moving players about on his roster.
Vucevic would not solve the Lakers’ new defensive issues or the lack of rim protection that Davis left behind; however, given Doncic’s importance as an offensive hub, combined with James’ ability to run the offence and get to the rim, Vucevic would fit like a glove as a stretch five.
The 34-year-old big man could hypothetically share the floor with Doncic, James, Reaves, and Knecht, forming a five-man lineup with numerous shooters and playmakers that may plague opposition defences.
To be honest, no centre on the trade market is capable of addressing the Lakers’ current defensive issues. So, why not go all-in on offence and acquire a 6-foot-10 centre like Vucevic, who is hitting over 40% from three this season, to give Doncic more room to operate?
As the Feb. 6 trade deadline approaches, the Bulls may lower their demand for a first-round pick in exchange for their two-time All-Star centre, and Los Angeles has a pair of second-round picks (one with protections that would need to be changed) to offer in a deal that could include Hachimura and Wood’s expiring contracts.
It wouldn’t be the best decision for the Bulls, but if the Lakers call and want to make Vucevic their next acquisition, Chicago would have to pick up the phone and listen.
Leave a Reply