The deadline was moved forward in order to allow traded players to sort out arrangements for themselves and their families, and the NBA is unlikely to move the deadline back anytime soon. Nevertheless, the trade deadline is still one of the most exciting times for NBA fans, and the seven days are likely to provide a number of twists and turns.
Among the teams that are set to be active in the next few days are the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers have recently dropped out of the playoffs due to the absence of LeBron James, and Los Angeles will be looking to make major deals this week in order to make a playoff push until the end of the season. This means that a number of departures are also expected. Here we look at three individuals that the Lakers should look to keep.
#3 Michael Beasley
Michael Beasley had to be extremely patient to gain minutes in Luke Walton’s rotation, although the veteran is now showing the Lakers that he can be a reliable contributor from the bench. Beasley is managing 7.3 points per game, despite only averaging 11 minutes of playing time, and the 30-year-old has recently put in big performances games against the Pistons and Jazz.
Beasley is also shooting at a near career high of 52% from the field, and Beasley continues to be effective on the defensive end. The former Knicks man is only signed until the end of the season, so with the Lakers unlikely to get much in return for Beasley, it makes no sense to trade him away at this point.
#2 Ivica Zubac
Ivica Zubac has arguably been the NBA’s breakout star during the early stages of 2019. The 21-year-old has managed to force his way into the Lakers starting five, and Zubac also had a five-game streak where he managed to score at least double figures.
Zubac’s performances were a major boost to a struggling Lakers team during January, and it seems as though the big man’s performances haven’t gone unnoticed. The LA Times reported earlier this week that rival teams are gearing up to make a move for the center ahead of the deadline, however, it would be a major mistake for the Lakers to trade Zubac. The team is likely to lose the majority of their young roster as part of a trade for Anthony Davis, and Magic Johnson would be wise to keep the impressive Croatian around for the long haul.
#1 Lance Stephenson
Lance Stephenson is only playing 15.8 minutes per game for the Lakers this season, however, the former Pacers man is quietly enjoying one of the best seasons of his career. Despite his limited minutes, Stephenson is still averaging 7.5 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game, and the 28-year-old is also shooting an impressive 40% from beyond the arc.
This makes Stephenson one of the few players on the Lakers roster who is a threat from deep, and the 28-year-old also injects enthusiasm and hustle from the bench. It is also worth noting that Stephenson has historically played his basketball during the postseason, and the shooting guard’s impact from the bench could help tilt a tight series in favor of the Lakers. Ultimately, Stephenson is only signed until the end of the season, and the Lakers should keep him around if they still believe they can make the playoffs.
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