With a 3-0 record and LeBron James looking refreshed, the Los Angeles Lakers are off to a great start to the season.
They’ve equipped James with plenty of shooters, while Anthony Davis has shown glimpses of the championship-caliber player he was during the 2020 NBA Finals in the ‘Bubble.’ Although the Lakers seem satisfied with their current lineup, a trade before the deadline could still be on the table, according to a proposal from Colin Keane of Sporting News.
He said that if Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka, a former Michigan Fab Five bench player who has successfully guided the team back to success, offers the right players, the Pacers may send former sixth overall pick Bennedict Mathurin to the Lakers. Given center James Wiseman‘s recent Achilles injury, Keane thinks the Lakers could lure Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan with a package that bolsters Indiana’s frontcourt.
Jaxson Hayes, Christian Wood, and Jarred Vanderbilt together might be effective, he said, and the Lakers could sweeten the pot with draft picks. Mathurin’s $30 million rookie contract is in its last year.
Does Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka have a deal in the works? Keane asked in his most recent piece. Mathurin shot almost 62% from the field and averaged 19.5 points and four rebounds per game despite suffering a torn labrum last spring. Davis could flourish in the paint once more, and LeBron could have even more drive-and-kick options if the Lakers are successful in acquiring Mathurin.