NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers Turn to Questionable $45 Million Choice as Rob Pelinka Continues to Ignore Biggest Problem

“It was atrocious.” JJ Redick sounded like a broken record as he frequently used the word “atrocious” while describing the Lakers’ defense during Monday’s Spurs clash. Well, it’s clear that the LA franchise is in desperate need of a player who makes them a bigger defensive threat, an attribute that is crucial in the playoffs. But instead of solving that issue via a trade, Rob Pelinka seems to be going a different route as reports of a new pursuit emerge!

As per sources, Lakers are among the teams who have shown interest in former Sixth Man of the Year, Malcolm Brogdon. Yes, the Wizards are currently open to moving the star guard, likely to start building for the future as they sit at the bottom of the East standings.

Although Brogdon is in the final year of his $45 million contract, Pelinka might not have to give up a lot to acquire him. That’s because he is believed to be available for second-round draft compensation. Sure, Malcolm would be a solid addition to the team as he is an elite scorer, with a career average of 15.4 points. But he is unlikely to solve the Lakers’ main problem. The need of an elite defensive big man!

 

Yes, Malcom is only 6’4 and his role is not to protect the paint. But with Christian Wood and Jarred Vanderbilt yet to make their season debut, Pelinka should look for someone to pair alongside Anthony Davis and share the Internal load with him. Even if the pursuit for Brogdon is on, it will be difficult for Pelinka to acquire him because the Hawks, Heat, and Clippers have also shown interest. Meanwhile, Redick is focused on making the most with what he’s got.

JJ Redick takes joint ownership for “Atrocious” defense despite Austin Reaves’ “Sh*tty” remark

Following the Spurs loss, every member of the Purple and Gold franchise was disappointed. Redick even highlighted where they went wrong, “There are 15 to 20 clips where they (Spurs) just get to the rim and there is no shift, no low man, and it wasn’t even like they were getting to their bag… It was atrocious!”

Surprisingly, Austin Reaves took accountability of those mistakes and vowed to improve, “It starts with me. I’ve been shi–y the last three games. I’ve got to be better.” However, JJ quickly freed him of that burden as he claimed that the entire team, including him, was to be held accountable for the lacklustre defense, “We all gotta take ownership of that. We all gotta take responsibility on that and we gotta be better. And we will be.”

Sure enough, they worked on those mistakes and won the following game against the Heat. But the Lakers need to eliminate this problem once and for all. And it might require Pelinka to make a trade for an elite big man. Cameron Johnson, Nikola Vucevic, and Jonas Valanciunas seem like solid options. Do you think Lakers should continue pursuing Malcolm Brogdon or go for someone else?

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