With Vanderbilt's return from injury, the Lakers' long-awaited forward front group of James, Vanderbilt, Hachimura, Reddish and Prince has finally been officially established.
Of course, the effect is also significant. Statistically, against the Rockets, the Lakers started with a defensive efficiency of 95.4, the first in the league. In fact, the Lakers' forward group defense is in a state of overflow.
Illustrative point one: Vanderbilt. Since his return, he has accounted for 32.7% of defensive rounds of defensive defenders with a 33.3% limited shooting rate, and 62.3% of the defensive front line has a limited shooting rate of 41.2%.
Note 2: Reddish. 62.5% of defenders and 35.2% of them were limited shots, and 31.1% of defenders were 45.7% of their shots were limited.
To sum up the above two points, both Van der Bilt and Reddish can lead the 1-4 position very well. Coupled with the shortcomings of Hachimura, James and Prince, it can be said that the Lakers can give the opposing offensive arrows and ball-handlers defensive pressure all over the court.
However, Vanderbilt is not good at offense, and Reddish, Hachimura and Prince are inconsistent on the offensive end, which means that the Lakers' forward group is problematic on the offensive end except for James.
It's true that the playoffs are more about defense, but the season is not just about the playoffs, and the implied offense is just as important. If there are deficiencies, then adjustments and reinforcements need to be made. There are two things that are good for the Lakers:
First, attractiveness. It is undeniable that the attraction of the Lakers alone is the only one in the league. This is one of them. Second, with the success of Munch and Schroeder's gilding. It's fair to say that the Lakers' appeal is getting even better.
To be precise, to players who want to get a big contract.
Second, the record. As the schedule deepens, teams such as the Bulls, Trail Blazers, and Raptors may restructure or even rebuild their rosters because of poor records.
As a result, the Lakers' reinforcements and goals are here.
Taking Miles Bridges as an example, judging from the fact that he signed a one-year, $7.9 million qualification contract with the Hornets in the offseason, he obviously wants to get a big contract next summer. Moreover, judging from the average of 20+7 per game so far this season, Bridges should indeed get a big contract.
For Bridges, I think the Lakers are very likely to trade Prince and Schifino in the second round.
Reason 1: The right to veto transactions. According to the regulations, the right of veto on the transaction is included in the qualification contract. In this way, Bridges has the initiative in the trade. And as mentioned earlier, the Lakers have what it takes to help them succeed in gilding.
Reason 2: Paul. Bridges' agent is Rich Paul, and the latter has a good relationship with the Lakers and James.
To sum up the above two points, there is the veto of the deal, plus Paul's help. It can be said that as long as the Lakers show a sincere attitude, they are very likely to get Bridges.