The Los Angeles Lakers are all over trying to gather the pieces required to fix their roster. They are aiming to come back with a team next season that would help in bringing back their glory. The franchise should have its eyes set on the Charlotte Hornets’ LaMelo Ball, states Dan Favale of Bleacher Report.
As per the Insider’s mock trade, in return for the point guard, the Hornets would possibly receive “Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Gabe Vincent, No. 17 pick, 2025 second-round pick (most favorable from Lakers or Clippers), 2026 first-round swap, 2027 second-round pick, 2028 first-round swap, 2029 first-round pick (unprotected), 2030 second-round pick, 2031 first-round pick (top-one protection; turns into 2031 second-rounder if not conveyed).”
Favale highlighted the 22-year-old’s shooting ability and vision, which would complement the team’s aces, LeBron James and Anthony Davis. That is a good enough reason for the Lakers to consider Ball as a fit for the roster.
After their terrible playoff run, the franchise would seek long-term success and would be a perfect addition to the squad. However, there are risks involved with the budding star’s frequent injuries, which could be a problem for any team that wants to get him on board.
Los Angeles Lakers Might Have Concerns Over LaMelo Ball Injuries
While showing a fair bit of promise, LaMelo Ball thus far has failed to live up to it. His injury susceptibility resulted in him playing only 58 games in the last two seasons.
But despite his injuries, Ball can wrack up numbers as he showed in those seasons by averaging more than 23 points per game. The point guard’s on-court talent is beyond doubt, but the question remains over his lack of fitness. The Lakers themselves had to deal with injuries this season, with Anthony Davis, LeBron James, Jarred Vanderbilt and Cam Reddish all suffering setbacks throughout the season.
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LaMelo Ball’s recurring ankle injury could be a major cause of concern for the Lakers if they choose to pursue the 22-year-old. Ball previously floated the idea of playing with an ankle brace for protection. “I’m going to see over the summer, try some stuff,” LaMelo said in April. “That fact that I got this summer (to be healthy), I’m going to take it and get it as strong I can to get out there and play.”
His max rookie contract of $260 million could also be a potential issue for the Lakers. Just like in the Hornets, the franchise was unable to get value for money from Ball since his extension last summer. A point guard is not the only piece of the puzzle the Lakers need for a championship chase and committing a good chunk of their salary cap for Ball might prove detrimental. On top of that, LeBron James’ future is yet to be sorted, so expect business to pick up only after the 39-year-old’s contract is sorted.
