December did little to convince Los Angeles Lakers fans that president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka can play it safe at the trade deadline. The Lakers went 5-7 in the month. They ranked 28th in net rating and 29th in defensive rating over the same span. Yikes.
But who should Pelinka target to fix LA’s defensive problems? Sam Amick of The Athletic recently proposed a trio of names: Herb Jones, Derrick Jones Jr., and Keon Ellis. Others have pointed to potential frontcourt reinforcements like Robert Williams III.
Amidst all the trade buzz, a theme prevails that would have shocked Lakers fans a year ago: LeBron James isn’t untouchable (provided Pelinka can convince James to waive his no-trade clause).