The Los Angeles Lakers have shown signs of a comeback by winning five of their last six games, but rumors of a major trade have been circulating. Rumors suggested that the Lakers might be looking for Zach LaVine from the Chicago Bulls, as part of their strategy to improve their Western Conference standings. But NBA insider Marc Stein has questioned this possibility.
In a recent update, Stein stated that the Lakers’ interest in Zach LaVine is still “to be determined” at this point in the season. He emphasized that the Lakers’ current focus is more on internal improvements, they are waiting for the return of key defenders Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent from injury.
Marc Stein on the Lakers seeking to improve/Lavine situation.👇 #LakeShow
“Philadelphia’s interest in LaVine has been overstated, as covered here, while I’ve been advised that the Lakers’ reported interest at this early juncture of the season is best described as TBD. I’m told… pic.twitter.com/NGHd2VM72O
— 🎗NBA•Fan🎗 (@Klutch_23) November 20, 2023
“I’m told the Lakers, at present, are focused on internal improvement, hopeful that getting Jarred Vanderbilt (who is ineligible to be traded this season after signing an extension with the Lakers in September) and Vincent back on the floor regularly will give them a meaningful boost,” Stein wrote.
The Lakers, currently holding an 8-6 record, have shown improvement in their defensive gameplay, allowing 110 points or less in four of their last five games. They have also made a major improvement in their defensive rebounding. These factors suggest that the team is looking to strengthen its current roster’s capabilities rather than making major trades like acquiring Zach LaVine.
LeBron James sets NBA record in Rockets-Lakers match
In a tight game against the Houston Rockets, LeBron James made NBA history by moving up the all-time steals list. With his performance in this game, James surpassed Hall of Famer Clyde Drexler to take the eighth spot on the list. The next target for James is Scottie Pippen, who holds the seventh position.
James in his 21st NBA season has maintained impressive averages of 26.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. More interesting are his shooting percentages – 58.6% from the field and 39.7% from the three-point range.
Congrats to @KingJames of the @Lakers for moving to 8th all-time in steals! pic.twitter.com/yXIiucQ1pX
— NBA (@NBA) November 20, 2023
James’ record-setting performance helped the Lakers win a crucial game that improved their standing in the Western Conference. His continued dominance on the court suggests that he remains one of the top ten players in the NBA and is likely to play his 20th straight All-Star Game.
Lakers’ new strategy helped Anthony Davis in high-scoring third quarter vs Rockets
The Los Angeles Lakers’ strategic adjustments proved beneficial in their recent game against the Houston Rockets, especially for star player Anthony Davis. Davis, who scored 13 of his 27 points in the third quarter, played an important role in the Lakers’ victory.
“They [the Rockets] don’t double and then I have an advantage where I can go score, which I did a lot early on in the game and then they brought the double-team and I was able to kick it out and we got some swing-swings and some shots.” Davis stated.
Davis highlighted the shift in strategy after halftime, which allowed him to take advantage of the Rockets’ defense. He used the lack of double-teaming efforts from the Rockets, using the space to either score or create plays for his teammates. When Davis works on both ends of the floor, the Lakers are tough to beat.This performance by Davis is a good sign for the Lakers, who are looking to build consistency and avoid the mistakes of the previous season. With the team changing its strategies to maximize its star players strengths, the Lakers are well-positioned to make major progress in the Western Conference.