Bringing in Westbrook to form the Los Angeles Big Three in the offseason this summer may be one of the most disappointing teams in the season to date. The Westbrook deal nearly hollowed out their home, but it didn't bring a qualitative change to the team. James averaged the highest number of appearances per game in nearly four seasons, and another core, Anthony Davis, was also sidelined with a serious injury. In this case, the Lakers began experimenting in the trading markets early in December. What's clear is that Westbrook's contract doesn't appeal to the rest of the league, leaving the Lakers, whose roster is full of low-paid players, to trade a tucker for the entire league. According to previous media reports, the Lakers' targets are mainly focused on Ben Simmons of the 76ers and Jeramie Grant of the Pistons. However, according to the latest reports, the Lakers' dream of trading Ben Simmons may be shattered in advance.
According to Sam Amick, a well-known NBA reporter, the Philadelphia 76ers have no intention of lowering the asking price of Ben Simmons at this stage. It is reported that the Eastern Conference powerhouse, which has performed poorly this season, sees Simmons as an important chip for the team to trade stars such as Bill or Lillard, and will not sell Simmons at a reduced price until it completely loses hope of trading other stars. According to Sam, several teams interested in Simmons were "disappointed" after learning about the 76ers plan, including the Lakers. Simmons, who hasn't played or trained for the team in half a season, has paid nearly fifteen million dollars in fines. However, it seems that the current lose-lose situation will continue for some time, after all, Lillard and Bill seem to be some time away from actively asking for a trade.
After Simmons' plan ran aground, the Lakers' other favorite, Grant, also seemed to have a hard time. Recently, many American media have exposed that the Golden State Warriors and Chicago Bulls two teams are interested in Grant. Compared to the Lakers, the Golden State Warriors and Chicago Bulls have performed much better this season. The two teams are at the top of the Western Conference and the Top Two of the East, respectively, and are also in the top two of the league. Not only that, but the Golden State Warriors can get a lot better chips than the Lakers. In addition to Last Season's list-winning Wiseman, Wiggins, who has been great this season, is clearly a much better option than Tucker or even Westbrook. For the Pistons, who have already decided to rebuild again, perhaps the Lakers' most attractive chip is the first-round pick of the 2027 Draft.
With trades repeatedly hitting a wall, it's time for the Lakers to re-plan their season plans. Now, they must be ready to finish the season with their existing squad and fight for honors. After all, basketball in the real world is not a video game, and it can be traded at any time, regardless of the feelings of fans and players. If you pursue the transaction without success, it will affect the chemistry of the team. The Biggest Problem the Lakers have shown this season is impetuosity, with many players seeming to think before the season began that the team was bound to win the final honor. James' verbal altercation with assistant coach Handy in the players' tunnel and the physical clash between Anthony Davis and Howard on the bench are all direct manifestations of the team's problems. Now that the trade is blocked, what do fans and friends think the Lakers management should do to save the ship that will fall? Welcome to discuss and communicate in the comments section!