The Los Angeles Lakers are aware that they cannot make any big moves due to their financial situation. Giving up some of their current players is the way to go and it appears the purple and gold are ready to make that sacrifice.
Talen Horton-Tucker was seen as a young and promising cager that several NBA teams took interest in in the past. The Lakers shrugged off all that, believing the 21-year-old guard is an investment for the future.
But with things not going their way, the Lakers are now aware that the only way to get needed help is to make sacrifices. According to sources cited by the Los Angeles Times, the 6-foot-4 guard is in the center of trade discussions although there remains nothing clear.
There are gaps to be filled and the Lakers need to act fast. But once Horton-Tucker is dealt away, he is another promising player that the team has passed up in the past years.
Most have seen how the Lakers bungled the promising talent they picked up from the NBA Draft the past seasons. That list includes Brandon Ingram, Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson, Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma.
These were picks who did their part, showing glimpses of promise. But with the Lakers wanting to win now, they opted to trade these young cagers for certified but aging stars.
So far, the Lakers have won only one title with LeBron James and Anthony Davis at the helm. A third star is believed to be the missing piece, something that Russell Westbrook should have addressed.
At the rate things are going right now, the Lakers are not assured of winning it all. Even if they make a trade, whoever they take is not a guarantee that Los Angeles will turn things around.
Hence, the pressure is on Frank Vogel to find answers. He is reportedly being evaluated on a game-to-game basis but his job is safe for now. But if the Lakers fail to come up with a big finishing kick, the situation may differ in the offseason.
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