Can Dlo change the Lakers fortunes? Are they making the playoffs?
- Barnaby Vogt
- Feb 10, 2023
- 2 min read
The Lakers sent Juan Tuscano Anderson, Damian Jones and their first-round pick in 2027 to the Utah Jazz along with Russell Westbrook. In Exchange they received D'Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt from Minnesota and Utah in a three way deal.
I think it's fair to say Rob Pelinka redeemed himself abit with the scheming on this one, the first round pick is protected aswell?! How did he manage to swindle that.
The question here though - are the Lakers now going to make a playoff push?
Los Angeles are currently lingering at 13th seed in the west, but it's a tight run race from pretty much the pelicans; who've plummeted to the 7th seed in the wake of Zion's injury, all the way down to the Lakers.
First off - I think Vanderbilt and Beasley are great assets to acquire for any team, how the Lakers did it with Dlo in the deal too I don't know. Dlo will definitely be in the starting 5, I imagine Beasley to be coming off the bench for Lonnie Walker, and Vanderbilt to be battling with Rui Hachimura for the 3/4. I'd start Vanderbilt personally, no offense to Rui.
Malik Beasley is a 38% career 3pt shooter and has been productive this season on few minutes for the Jazz. He has the ability to space the floor and good awareness on the court, his defensive ability leaves abit to be desired though. In his own words he would love to make an all defensive team, but I'm not sure that's going to happen anytime soon, if ever.
Jarred Vanderbilt has length, flare and a passion for the game of basketball. He's versatile and is now developing into a great 2 way player that could be just what the lakers need on both ends of the floor.
D'Angelo Russell needs no introduction to the team that drafted him. He was only sent away originally due to his off court actions involving Nick Youngs wedding being called off.... he didn't do as much as it sounds.
Russell was always threatening to be a bonafide star in the league and when he paired up with KAT in Minnesota after a great stint in Brooklyn, the future was looking bright. He's never quite tapped into all that potential but he definitely hasn't lost any of it.
Great court vision and scoring ability, he's the gem of this trade. Most likely hand picked by Lebron.
Averaging 18, 6 and 3, this season has been relatively low for Russell.
But - he's been efficient, made the right plays, the gift just hasn't been returned. He's averaging a career low of 13.5 attempted field goals so its not his efficiency that's taken a hit, he's just evolving into a true point guard (that's my excuse).
Can these new additions get LA to the playoffs?
Yes. I don't think the Lakers will crack the top 6 as they are all improving, but a high playin seed isn't unlikely. Even if they get in at number 10 I'd bet on them to make the playoffs. Then a Denver Lakers first rounder?
This could be truly great if the Lakers make the playoffs, let alone a deep run. We'll see.
Kommentare