The Los Angeles Lakers look a lot different, roster-wise, than they did just five days ago, thanks to three deals they made in the hours leading up to Thursday’s NBA trade deadline.
While they lost three rotation players in Russell Westbrook, Patrick Beverley and Thomas Bryant, they have gained four rotation players who should fit well in D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, Malik Beasley and Mo Bamba.
In addition, Los Angeles received Davon Reed in the Bryant trade. Reed is a 6-foot-5 guard with a 7-foot wingspan, and if he is given a chance, he could be a 3-and-D player who could contribute in spot duty.
Job one for head coach Darvin Ham, besides getting wins in bunches, is to integrate all these new players and have them build chemistry with their new teammates.
But LeBron James’ left foot soreness will complicate those efforts. He missed the team’s last two games and is reportedly likely to miss the Lakers’ Monday contest versus the Portland Trail Blazers.
The good news is that the team has reported that imaging has shown nothing clinically significant on James’ troublesome foot.
If Saturday’s win over the Golden State Warriors was any sign, perhaps the Lakers will be eminently capable of getting another victory in Oregon on Monday even without their franchise player.
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Story originally appeared on LeBron Wire