The Lakers have two games to try to save the season, and if they lose either, it could be back to the drawing board entirely, as relayed by Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report.
LA currently trails its series vs. the Suns, 3-2, with Game 6 set for Thursday at the Staples Center.
Rival executives told Fischer that a shakeup could be on the way if the Lakers fail to get out of the first round.
“The easiest way for them to acquire more talent is to sign-and-trade Dennis Schroder,” one opposing executive told Fischer.
Schroder will in fact be a free agent after the season, and has hinted he may be out of the Lakers’ price range.
Another player who opposing execs seem to think could be be made available — forward Kyle Kuzma. One rival assistant general told Fischer the Lakers explored some Kuzma trades at the deadline in March.
“They made a bunch of calls,” the assistant GM said. “They were very active.”
Per Fischer, the Lakers even spoke with the Nets about a potential trade centered on Kuzma and Brooklyn guard Spencer Dinwiddie.
“I think they’ve been trying to move Kuzma for a long time,” a different assistant GM told Fischer. “His defense has always been questionable, and I think his early success has become a bit of fool’s gold.”
At this point, it’s all speculation, as the Lakers are not finished yet. While Anthony Davis‘ status is still TBD for Game 6, any team with LeBron James isn’t likely to easily be cast aside.
But whenever and however the Lakers’ season ends, it’s pretty evident that some changes will be on the way — and perhaps changes involving several key members of the rotation.
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