While they have slipped in the standings over the last several weeks due to LeBron James and Anthony Davis being out with injuries, the Los Angeles Lakers are still very much in the hunt to repeat as NBA champions. While LeBron James will likely be back before the end of the year, as he is dealing with a high ankle sprain, there are definitely question marks around Anthony Davis.

There have been reports that he could be back within the next couple of weeks, but we do not really know what type of injury Davis has been dealing with other than the fact that it is a mysterious “calf” injury. Does this sound reminiscent of the whole Kevin Durant “calf” injury saga with the Warriors in 2019? 

Durant missed a ton of time with a “calf strain” during the Warriors’ 2019 NBA Finals run and when he came back, he suffered a torn Achilles tendon and was forced to miss the entire 2019-20 season. The Lakers definitely do not want this to happen with Davis, which is why they have taken a very cautious approach with him and when he does return, will likely see a minutes restriction until the playoffs. 

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Whether or not the Lakers can repeat as champions and find the same success they did last season is unknown, but with the pending free agency of Dennis Schroder and the possibility that Montrezl Harrell opts out of his contract, Los Angeles will definitely be looking towards ways to improve their roster in the offseason, whether or not they win the title again. These will be key influencing factors to monitor in NBA trade rumors.

As a result, they could look to add a versatile, young talent who can play in the backcourt or on the wing. Josh Jackson has put together a really solid season with the Pistons this year and with him being owed just $5M next season, he is a very viable trade target for the Lakers. 

Let’s take a look at virtually the only trade package the Lakers could offer Detroit for Josh Jackson in the offseason.