The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly considering a major roster shakeup as they weigh the possibility of parting ways with Austin Reaves to pursue Denver Nuggets star Michael Porter Jr. The move, which could significantly bolster the Lakers’ three-point shooting, comes amid their push to solidify their position in the Western Conference playoff race.
Since acquiring Luka Doncic in a blockbuster trade on February 2, the Lakers have shown flashes of brilliance but have struggled recently, losing their last three games. Despite the setbacks, the team remains in contention for the No. 2 seed in the West. However, their three-point shooting has been a glaring weakness this season, with the team shooting just 35.7% from beyond the arc under head coach JJ Redick.
This has led to speculation that the Los Angeles Lakers may target Michael Porter Jr., a proven three-point specialist, in the offseason. Porter, who signed a $179 million contract with the Nuggets, has been one of the league’s most consistent long-range shooters since entering the NBA. As a rookie, he shot an impressive 42.2% from downtown and has maintained a high level of efficiency, connecting on at least 39.7% of his three-point attempts in four of his last five seasons.
Michael Porter Jr (Image via Getty)
This season, the 2023 NBA champion is averaging 18.2 points and 6.9 rebounds per game while shooting 50.6% from the field and 39.9% from three-point range. His ability to move without the ball and deliver a flawless release makes him an ideal fit for a Los Angeles Lakers team in need of reliable perimeter shooting.
While Austin Reaves has been a versatile and valuable asset for the Lakers, Porter’s elite shooting could provide the team with a significant upgrade. Reaves has been a key contributor, but his skill set may not be enough to address the Lakers’ most pressing needs.
However, acquiring Porter won’t be easy. The Nuggets have consistently expressed their commitment to keeping him, especially after his crucial role in their championship run. “Denver was adamant about retaining Porter amid NBA trade rumors this season,” making it unlikely they would part with him unless he experiences a decline in performance.
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As the playoffs approach, the Los Angeles Lakers are expected to keep a close eye on Porter’s situation. If the Nuggets’ stance softens, Los Angeles could make a strong push to bring the sharpshooter to Crypto.com Arena, potentially reshaping their roster for a deeper postseason run.
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