If the Los Angeles Lakers want to fulfill their dream of winning the NBA Championship, they must make adjustments. This Lakers
squad isn’t good enough as it stands right now to defeat the NBA’s elite teams.
In light of this, the Lakers have emerged as one of the clubs to watch closely as the trade deadline draws near. Los Angeles ought to act
at the deadline even if they don’t make a major deal like to that of Russell Westbrook.
But it’s not just about trading. The Lakers presently have 14 players on their active roster, but additional slots may become available
based on what transpires at the trade deadline. Los Angeles will keep an eye on the takeover.
The purple and gold have two new names to keep an eye on as possible buyout targets: Danilo Gallinari and Mike Muscala, thanks to a
deal between the Detroit Pistons and Washington Wizards on Sunday.
After being traded to the Pistons, Danilo Gallinari or Mike Muscala may be the subject of a Lakers buyout.
Marvin Bagley III, the star of the deal, will move to Washington to attempt to restart his career. The goal of this transaction was to
remove Bagley’s contract from the books, thus Detroit even had to exchange second-round choices in addition to Bagley to make it
happen.
The Pistons have no real need to retain Muscala and Gallinari around for the remainder of the season because their contracts are
about to expire. In order to give the Pistons an opportunity to attempt and move both veterans for one or more second-round picks,
Detroit will initially retain both veterans on the club and see if they can improve their season. That is unlikely to occur, and the two
being bought out is the most likely scenario.
Given their comparable situations, Gallinari and Muscala may be difficult to choose if the Lakers have the choice. Both are seasoned
three-point shooters who have had a great deal of difficulty this season behind the arc. But there’s enough history to anticipate that
either veteran will
Both players would be solid small-ball options in the frontcourt, but Muscala may be a better logistical fit because to his greater
experience at the five position. When healthy, Muscala and Gallinari can each contribute 12–14 minutes off the bench as off-ball
threats who can make some three-pointers.
As previously said, while this year’s stats are poor, both players have shown that they are capable sharpshooters. Prior to the 2023–24
season, Gallinari had shot 40.8% from three point range throughout his previous four seasons. His lifetime three-point percentage was
38.1%. Before the 2023–24 season, Muscala shot 39.1% in his previous four seasons, despite his lifetime shooting percentage of 37.5%.
This Lakers squad is in severe need of shooting, even if that is all they add.
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