The Los Angeles Lakers are in store for an intriguing offseason after LeBron James and Anthony Davis led them to an NBA Finals win over the Miami Heat. Improving the roster around the two superstars will be a priority. Victor Oladipo could be a name to keep a close eye on for the Lakers.
Oladipo has been rumored to be on the trade block this offseason. He doesn’t hate the Indiana Pacers, but he wants to compete for a championship. No team can offer him that more than the Lakers.
One NBA executive talked to NBA Analysis Network about Oladipo’s potential fit with the Lakers. He thinks that the star shooting guard would be a perfect addition.
“Victor (Oladipo) has to prove that he can get back to full health. It was rough at times watching him last year. But, there was some promise in the postseason. Oladipo is worth a shot for the Lakers. He’s on a one-year deal and L.A. could easily move on after one year if they wanted. This is a perfect fit to add another star with LeBron and AD.”
During the 2019-20 NBA season following his anticipated return to the court, Oladipo played in 19 games and started in 16 of them. He averaged 14.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists. In the playoffs, Oladipo averaged 17.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists.
While there are still obvious reasons to be concerned about Oladipo, the point of the Lakers being able to move on after one year makes tons of sense.
There is no question that when he is healthy, Oladipo is an All-Star and would form a lethal big three with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. He can score the ball on his own, create for teammates, and has a solid three-point shot.
On the defensive end of the court, Victor Oladipo has established himself as a disruptive player. He isn’t an “elite” perimeter defender, but he has a knack for getting into passing lanes. That is something the Lakers could use as well.
Victor Oladipo is going to be a name to keep a close eye on. The Pacers may opt to keep him until the trade deadline to see if he changes his mind or if he is worth max money. However, if the Lakers offer an aggressive trade, they might just be able to get Indiana to pull the trigger.
