The Los Angeles Lakers have made the first splash move of the NBA trade season.
It was clear the Lakers needed help, and they had to make a trade to improve their roster.
In this deal with the Washington Wizards, the Lakers receive forward Rui Hachimura for Kendrick Nunn and three second-round picks.
The Los Angeles Lakers are finalizing a trade sending guard Kendrick Nunn and three second-round picks to the Washington Wizards for Rui Hachimura, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. https://t.co/aTP7eYyGOh
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 23, 2023
With a record of 22-25 on the season, there was no question the Lakers had to make a trade.
They are in danger of missing the playoffs for the second-straight season and wasting the latter years of LeBron James‘ career.
Hachimura will give them some size, and another player that can score the basketball.
On the season he is averaging 13.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game.
He can help fill the void left by the injured Anthony Davis, and should immediately vault into a starting role.
Even though this is a good trade for the Lakers, they still need more shooting.
Hachimura is shooting 33.7% from three this season, so he will not provide too much of an added boost from deep.
Also, it will be interesting to see if the Lakers are still interested in moving Russell Westbrook.
He is their one big trade chip that could bring back a decent return.
Over his last 10 games, Westbrook has averaged 21.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game.
His value might be the highest it is going to get.
It will be interesting to see which teams improve over the next few weeks before the trade deadline.
Do not be surprised if this is not the last time we hear from the Lakers.
NEXT: The Lakers Are In Talks For Wizards Star