The Los Angeles Lakers received a huge upgrade to their team when they acquired Luka Doncic. That said, with Anthony Davis no longer on the squad, the popular franchise is without a serviceable big man, especially after their trade for Mark Williams fell through. Former NBA Champions Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson spoke about the Lakers’ woes during a recent episode of the “All The Smoke” podcast.
Barnes began by taking shots at the Charlotte Hornets for rescinding the trade to the Lakers at the last second, citing it as a primary reason that the Hornets are a “bad organization.” He then breaks down why Williams would have been a great pickup for the Lakers at this point in their season.
“Adding a Mark Williams, who is a lob threat, nearly a double-double guy. A young kid too. Could have really set them up for him to play his role and for this team to achieve what they need to achieve,” Barnes said.
Barnes mentioned that the Lakers “don’t have money” to get any big guys — adding that Jaxson Hayes isn’t experienced enough to help the team win in the playoffs. He then asked Jackson whether the team should make a play for JaVale McGee or Dwight Howard to bring more depth. Jackson agreed that McGee and Howard are available in the buyout market, but believes that no player can help the Lakers win it all this year.
“I mean Javale or Dwight Howard are the only people I can think of but regardless what they do they ain’t gonna win it this year in my opinion,” Jackson stated.
Jackson didn’t stop there. He expressed that the summertime is when the Lakers will really “make some moves” and figure out the type of team they want to be in the future. Barnes agreed, stating that most of the “pieces are there,” but that the Lakers need frontline help and depth to compete in the competitive Western Conference.
To plug their gaps at the 5-man spot, Pelinka and company did go out and sign Alex Len to a one year deal that stands at a reported $1.77 million. Having a serviceable big-man roam around the paint to wait for lobs from Luka à la his connection with Lively and Gafford is what makes the former Mav’s offensive firepower even more potent.