NBA expert Bill Simmons has issued a warning to the Los Angeles Lakers around the corner during the postseason.
Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Perinka has faced a lot of criticism over the past few years as he failed to create a championship content roster around LeBron James.
However, Perinka finally made several moves this season to improve his roster. The biggest move is to acquire Luka Donsic in a shocking deal from the Dallas Mavericks.
The Lakers almost traded with Mark Williams of the Charlotte Hornets before leaving the move due to health concerns around the center.
Since the Lakers refused to trade, the organization has faced mixed reactions from fans. In one section, we believe Purple and Gold did the right thing after cancelling the deal, while in the other sections, we feel that the franchise will regret the playoff time coming.
Now, NBA expert Bill Simmons falls into the latter category as he discussed it in the latest episode of his podcast via YouTube.
“Mark Williams has Luka (Donsey) and trades when he has this chance in the West…
“We’re sure we’ll be troubled with the playoffs where they don’t have a center now, because the Lakers made that deal and then they just got nothing.”
The modern era focuses on three-point shooting, but the requirements for a great center do not underestimate playoff time.
After the cancelled Williams trade, the Lakers essentially remain Jackson Hayes as their starting center.
Hayes has improved significantly since being increased for a few minutes with the new system under JJ Reddick. Still, concerns remain as to whether Hayes is left to the job of being the main center of a competing team.
Even if this strategy fails, Coach Reddick is somewhat ready. After all, Redick has attempted to line up small balls in multiple games this season.
Despite this doubt about the team’s starting center, the Lakers were able to reach a 48-30 record as they continue to fight for the third seed in the meeting.
The Lakers also continue to hold Dalton Knecht as part of the trade, with JJ Reddick thinking that they can help the team win “multiple playoff games.”