After a quiet trade deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers ushered in a break before The All-Star Weekend. This season's Lakers have been doomed, with a failed lineup building, internal management chaos and star injuries that make them unable to win, let alone compete for the championship. No deals before the trade deadline means that the Lakers' only chance to reinforce this season is the subsequent buyout market, and with the regular season more than a month to go, it's time for the Lakers to act. Earlier this week, open-air stand reporter Jack Fisher and Los Angeles local media reporter Ramona jointly exposed the Lakers' buyout market plan. It is reported that the Lakers have set their sights on the reinforcement of the two positions of point guard and center.
Last season, the Lakers brought in gasol Jr., Harrell and Drummond, but Anthony Davis missed most of the time due to injury, so that the inside lineup did not play its due strength. This season they simply gave up the traditional No. 5 position, with Anthony Davis to the center position, and then brought in jordan jr. and Howard two characters inside. However, Anthony Davis was not in good health after gaining weight in the offseason, and his early injury made the Lakers' interior change a complete failure. Coupled with the decline in jordan jr. and Howard Athletics, the Lakers could only rely on strong forwards such as James, Ariza and Stanley Johnson for a long time to serve as centers. Although such tactics can greatly speed up the Lakers' offensive and defensive rhythms, rebounding problems and holes in the interior defense doom the upper limit of this style of play to be low.
While it was somewhat surprising that the Lakers did not send Jordan Jr. away before the trade deadline, they clearly would not let the veteran center re-enter the team's regular rotation. It is reported that the Lakers are now eyeing James' good helper when the Cavaliers won the championship, Tristan Thompson. Tristan Thompson, 30, was sent to the Blazers by the Kings on trade eve of the trade deadline. He's averaged 15 minutes per game this season and can get 6.2 points and 5.4 rebounds, shooting 50.3 percent from the field. Although Thompson is not good at offense, his rim protection ability and rebounding ability are not bad. In the Cavaliers' peak season, Thompson twice completed a double-double season and was a fairly good interior player. Although Thompson's downward trend in recent seasons has been more obvious, there is no doubt that he is already the best choice for the Lakers to strengthen the interior at present.
Compared to Jordan Jr., Thompson is much better both in terms of desire to play and in physical condition. Coupled with the fact that he has worked with James for many years and is a very good friend, these factors have contributed to the Lakers' interest in the former championship center. The current problem, though, is that the Pacers haven't decided whether to buy out Thompson's contract, which will end by the end of the season. However, according to the information disclosed by the US media, Thompson's own willingness will be an important factor in the situation. If Thompson himself wants to be bought out to join a playoff team, the Pacers won't be tough. Once Thompson is bought out, the likelihood of him reuniting with James is very high. Do fans and friends think Thompson is the player the Lakers need? Welcome to discuss and communicate in the comments section!