Lakers Latest News: Trade Rumors, Injuries and In-Season Tournament
The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most storied franchises in the NBA, with 17 championships and countless legends. However, the 2023–24 season has not been smooth sailing for the purple and gold, as they have faced several challenges and setbacks. Here are some of the latest news and updates on the Lakers, covering trade rumors, injuries and the upcoming in-season tournament.
Trade Rumors: Could the Lakers Land Trae Young or Ben Simmons?
One of the biggest topics of discussion among Lakers fans and analysts is whether the team needs to make a trade to improve its roster. The Lakers have struggled with consistency and chemistry, especially on the defensive end, where they rank near the bottom of the league. Some of the names that have been linked to the Lakers in trade rumors are Trae Young and Ben Simmons, two young stars who could potentially boost the Lakers’ offense and defense, respectively.
Trae Young is the star point guard of the Atlanta Hawks, who signed a $215 million extension in the offseason. Young is one of the best scorers and playmakers in the league, averaging 26.4 points and 9.8 assists per game. However, he has also been criticized for his lack of defense and his tendency to draw fouls by manipulating the referees. According to a report by MSN Sports, one writer suggested that the Lakers could trade Russell Westbrook, Cam Reddish and two first-round picks for Young, a move that would give them a more dynamic and efficient offensive weapon. However, this trade seems unlikely, as the Hawks are unlikely to part ways with their franchise player, who led them to the Eastern Conference Finals last season.
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Ben Simmons is the former All-Star forward of the Philadelphia 76ers, who has been holding out from playing for the team since the offseason. Simmons is one of the best defenders and passers in the league, but he has also been plagued by his lack of shooting and confidence, especially in clutch situations. According to another report by MSN Sports, one NBA analyst suggested that the Lakers could trade Anthony Davis, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and a first-round pick for Simmons, a move that would give them a more versatile and impactful defender. However, this trade also seems unlikely, as the 76ers are demanding a high return for Simmons, and the Lakers are unlikely to trade away their second-best player and one of their few reliable shooters.
Injuries: Anthony Davis and Rui Hachimura Cleared to Play Against Rockets
Another challenge that the Lakers have faced this season is injuries to some of their key players. Anthony Davis, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura and Trevor Ariza have all missed games due to various ailments, limiting the Lakers’ depth and continuity. However, there is some good news on the injury front, as two of those players have been cleared to play in their next game against the Houston Rockets.
Anthony Davis suffered a hip/groin injury in the Lakers’ loss to the Miami Heat on November 6th, forcing him to leave the game early. Davis underwent an MRI that revealed no structural damage, and he was listed as questionable for the game against the Rockets. However, according to a report by NBA Analysis Network, Davis will play against the Rockets after participating in shootaround on November 8th. Davis is averaging 23.9 points, 10.4 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game this season.
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Rui Hachimura missed four games with an eye contusion that turned into a concussion after getting elbowed by teammate Dwight Howard in practice. Hachimura was placed in concussion protocol and had to pass several tests before being cleared to play. According to a report by Lakers Nation, Hachimura has officially been cleared to play against the Rockets after completing his recovery process. Hachimura is averaging 9.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game this season.
In-Season Tournament: Lakers to Face Trail Blazers in Opening Round
One of the new features of the 2023–24 NBA season is the inaugural in-season tournament, which will take place from November 15th to December 18th. The tournament will involve all 30 teams playing eight regular-season games that will count towards their tournament standings. The top six teams from each conference will advance to a single-elimination bracket, with the winner receiving $1 million per player and additional draft compensation.
The Lakers are currently seeded fourth in the Western Conference for the tournament, with a record of 3–4. They will face the fifth-seeded Portland Trail Blazers (3–4) in their opening round game on November 17th at Crypto.com Arena (formerly Staples Center). The winner of that game will face the winner of the Phoenix Suns (4–3) and the Memphis Grizzlies (1–6) in the quarterfinals on November 19th. The semifinals will take place on November 21st, and the finals will take place on December 18th.
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The Lakers have a history of success against the Trail Blazers, winning 13 of their last 15 meetings, including a 4–1 series victory in the first round of the 2020 playoffs. However, the Trail Blazers have also made some changes to their roster and coaching staff, adding Larry Nance Jr., Cody Zeller and Chauncey Billups to their mix. The Lakers will have to contain Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, who are averaging a combined 49.6 points per game this season.
The in-season tournament is a new opportunity for the Lakers to showcase their talent and compete for a prize. It is also a chance for them to improve their chemistry and cohesion, as they aim to contend for another championship this season.
