Even though the Los Angeles Lakers are currently sitting in the 12th spot in the Western Conference with a 22-25 record, they’re still far from done this season.
The West has been a battle for the better part of the season, with the Denver Nuggets and Memphis Grizzlies looking down on everybody else.
So, the Lakers are just 1.5 games behind the seventh-seeded Phoenix Suns, and five games behind the third-seeded Sacramento Kings.
Also, they’re just one game behind the Utah Jazz, Golden State Warriors, and Oklahoma City Thunder, who hold the final two spots for the play-in tournament.
Moreover, Anthony Davis is expected to be back on the floor quite soon, which is why Rob Pelinka should make the most of the opportunity to improve their roster before the deadline to make a playoff push.
With that in mind, NBA account Basketball Forever suggests the Lakers should set their sights on two guys they know pretty well: Jordan Clarkson and Kyle Kuzma.
Clarkson & Kuzma are clearly on the move. Get it done, Lakers. pic.twitter.com/sno11lFyxT
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) January 23, 2023
The Jazz are in rebuild mode, and even though they could still make the playoffs, they will favor player development and draft picks over another first-round exit.
As for the Washington Wizards, they could still make a late-run at the play-in tournament, but that seems unlikely at 20-26.
Kuzma is reportedly looking to opt out of the final year of his contract, and he’s always cherished his time in sunny California.
It’s still too early to give up on the Lakers, so Pelinka better pick up the phone and get some new weapons.
NEXT: NBA World Reacts To Monday's Lakers Trade