The Lakers should target the dynamic guard who is on the trade block after missing out on several offseason moves.
Jun 24, 2024; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka looks on as head coach JJ Redick speaks to the media during an introductory news conference at the UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea
It’s been a rough offseason for Lakers fans.
The NBA Draft was a win as Tennessee star Dalton Knecht fell to No. 17 overall and selecting Bronny James helped retain LeBron for at least one more season.
But the team has failed to add anyone else to help the team this season and the pool of available talent is quickly drying up.
Luckily, there’s one player who’s looking for a new team they could make a move for soon.
Lakers Could Add Ideal Scoring Threat With Anfernee Simons Trade
Trail Blazers beat reporter Sean Highkin recently reported that Anfernee Simons could be on the move soon
“Anfernee Simons’ status is worth keeping an eye on. On draft night, Cronin said the Blazers are ‘committed’ to building around Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, and didn’t mention Simons’ name. Simons
It would make sense for Portland to extract maximum value for Simons, who is due to make just north of $53 million over the next two seasons, rather than waiting and letting him walk in free agency for no return.
LA is in desperate need of guard depth, especially with their reported interest in trading point guard D’Angelo Russell.
If Russell is shipped out, they’d be left with Austin Reaves, Gabe Vincent, Jalen-Hood Schifino, and Bronny James as their remaining guards.
That’s not a backcourt that inspires confidence in a playoff run for the Lakers.
Simons could be an answer, especially if Los Angeles doesn’t land Trae Young from Atlanta, as is expected.
He’s still just 25 years old despite having six years of NBA experience and would fit the mold of shooters that new head coach JJ Redick said he’s prioritizing adding this offseason.
Simons is coming off the best season of his short career, averaging 22.6 points and 5.5 assists per game with 38.5% shooting from 3-point range and 91.6% free-throw shooting as Portland’s top scorer.
Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant — who Highkin also reported could be on the move — could also be involved in a Simons deal, adding depth and sorely needed 3-point shooting (Grant shot 40.1% from deep last season).
It’s not exactly the big-name acquisitions Lakers fans were hoping to see, but Simons could wind up being a much better asset than other players LA has been
