Lakers trade rumors: Will the Lakers make moves to improve the roster this January 2023?

As one of the most recognizable sports franchises on the planet, far less the NBA itself, it’s somewhat confusing to see the current state of affairs where the Los Angeles Lakers are concerned. Yet, here we are with LA staring the possibility of another ‘playoffless’ season in the face. With that in mind, we’re taking a look at some of the possible moves that LA could/should make if they’d like to improve their fortunes in the 2022-23 NBA season, as well as the million-dollar question: What’s going to happen with LeBron James?

The LeBron James issue

As we mentioned above and as you probably already know, the Lakers are in a bad way at the moment. Currently 13th in the Western Conference, 3.5 games back from the play-in and 5.5 games back from the 6th seed, there is the very real possibility that the Lakers won’t make the playoffs for the second running. To be clear that would mark the first time in LeBron James’ that he didn’t play in the post season in back-to-back seasons. Needless to say, that is not something that the 38-year-old is happy about. Add to that, the fact that he’s playing better than ever at the moment - despite the Lakers overall decline - and you can imagine his frustrations are at fever pitch. Indeed, James has voiced his concerns to the Lakers front office, however, reports suggest that the franchise is not prepared to make any changes here and now.

Where James specifically is concerned, there is a catch. Due to the manner in which his contract is structured, James can’t actually be traded until six months after signing his extension, which happens to coincide with the February 9th trade deadline. What that means, is that the Lakers star won’t be going anywhere until after this season. As you can imagine that’s not an ideal situation and with an insider’s report suggesting that James will demand a trade, a bad situation has now seemingly got worse.

Russell Westbrook should be shown the door

While one has to commend, the former nine-time All-Star point guard’s embracing of his new role as the Lakers’ sixth man, the reality is this has never been a happy marriage. Along with his $47.1 million expiring maximum-salaried contract - mentioned as leverage in a variety of potential trades - LA have failed to find a new home for Westbrook. On the other hand, this could well work in his favor as the former league MVP has most definitely endeared himself to both fans and the league itself with his off the bench performances. With his new found street credit and the fact that he will be an unrestricted free agent in summer, it’s highly likely we will see him elsewhere and quite frankly, that would be good for both parties.

Reward Lonnie Walker

As one of the league’s top tier franchises, it goes without saying that Lakers players get a greater amount of airtime on TV then many others. On the other hand, you’ve got to ‘give jack his jacket’ when someone is deserving of credit. In this case, that someone would be the 23-year-old swingman. In the middle of a career best season, the 6′4″ wing is averaging a career-most 14.7 points on .455/.384/.875 shooting splits, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists for the Lakers. With coming free agency in the summer, we’re expecting LA to give the kid a raise, as it would be a mistake not to.

Will the Lakers make a ‘major trade?’

The above-mentioned options, are of course centered on players who are currently on the Lakers’ roster, but what about those who aren’t. That’s to say could the Lakers - despite some reports about front office reluctance - actually dip into the market in the name of a headline trade? According to a recent podcast from Lakers beat writer Dave McMenamin, that’s exactly what we could be looking at. Indeed, to hear McMenamin tell it, the Lakers have moved past the ‘figuring-out’ period and now have their sights set on reinforcements. If this is in fact the case, then maybe LeBron James will finally get what he’s been asking for: a stronger supporting cast.