NBA
Why The Lakers Are Still Going to the Western Conference Finals
Obviously, this is very bold to say, but the Los Angeles Lakers are going to the Western Conference Finals. Yes, you heard right. We all know the Golden State Warriors will be there, but who will meet them there? After a rough 3-5 start to start the 2019-19 season, this team will eventually get it going. Other than the Houston Rockets who are 1-5 right now and struggling, I don’t see the Portland Trail Blazers, Utah Jazz, or San Antonio Spurs, beating a Lebron James led Lakers team in a seven game series.
LeBron the GM
Some may take this saying as a joke, but it has some truth to it. Jamss has made it clear on many occasions what the team needs and voiced his opinion on what the team lacks. I have no doubt in my mind that the Lakers will be making some trades before the trading deadline. I’m not sure who goes, but I guarantee the same roster we see now will not be the same early next year.
What The La
The Lakers would be smart to keep Rajon Rondo and Javale McGee. Rondo may not be James’ favorite teammate, but he does turn it up a notch come playoff time. Hence the nickname “Playoff Rondo”. The past two seasons really stand out because his teams greatly outplayed expectations.
Also, Rondo has always stepped it up come playoff time. He’s averaging 14 points, 9.3 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game, which are higher than his career regular season averages (10.5 points, 8.5 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game). McGee has been playing very well thus far. He’s been such an elite rim protector thus far, something the Lakers desperately need.
Kyle Kuzma is a keeper. That leaves Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Josh Hart. Of the three, they should do their best to keep Ingram and Hart, but trade Ball. Why? For starters, he has the highest trade value of the three. Ball is one of the only pass first point guards in the NBA. It just so happens he’s not the only one on his team.
He’s a good defender, good rebounder, has amazing passing ability, but has an inconsistent jump shot. James is a pretty great passer as well. Someone has to shoot the ball. Also, Ball is the perfect player to trade because he has the potential to get the highest return.
It also wouldn’t deprive the team of anything they don’t already have. This Lakers team is built to compete in the playoffs. So if they make the necessary upgrades before the trading deadline, expect for them to face the Warriors in the Western Conference Finals.
Photo Credit
Sunny Kumar via Flickr
