The Los Angeles Lakers have struggled tremendously this season, beginning out the 2022-23 marketing campaign 0-3. This is tied for the worst report within the NBA, which is trigger for concern regardless of the small pattern dimension.
The downfall of the Lakers to this level as been their capturing, notably from 3-point vary. While Russell Westbrook has been notably unhealthy from deep, it actually is a matter your complete roster is dealing with.
On the season, Los Angeles is capturing 25-118 from past the arc, which is the worst share in your complete NBA.
 According to Marc Spears, the Lakers’ 21.2% mark on triples is definitely traditionally unhealthy. In NBA historical past, there have been over 6,100 cases of a staff taking no less than 100 3-pointers over a 3-game span. The Lakers 21.1% is the 2nd-worst amongst that group, trailing solely the Hawks in 2018 (21.0%).
 There’s no query that Los Angeles is prepared to make strikes to enhance the roster. With that in thoughts, capturing needs to be on the high of the want record.
One participant who might instantly start to repair this concern is Mike Muscala of the Oklahoma City Thunder. A revered veteran, the 6-foot-10 huge is without doubt one of the finest shooters in your complete league at his place.
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Last season, Muscala shot 42.9% from deep on 3.8 makes an attempt per sport. This is precisely the kind of elevate the Lakers might use off the bench. He’s an skilled participant that might contribute instantly. Through three video games this season, the 31-year-old is averaging 10.3 factors and 6.3 rebounds simply 12.7 minutes per contest.
Muscala can’t be traded till three months after his signing of a brand new deal this summer season, that means he’s not ready to be moved for an additional week or two.
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Regardless, who might Los Angeles provide to pry the veteran Muscala from OKC?
Thomas Bryant makes probably the most sense.
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The Thunder lack a younger, wholesome middle. Bryant is simply 25 years previous and would instantly change into the starter in Oklahoma City. He lately underwent thumb surgical procedure and is out for just a few weeks. Even upon his return, it’s unclear what his function with the Lakers shall be. Bryant himself is a strong 3-point shooter (35% on his profession), however that doesn’t essentially get Los Angeles over the hump.
Similar to Muscala, Bryant can’t be traded fairly but. He’s slated to be a Laker till no less than mid December due to commerce guidelines after signing a brand new deal.
While the Lakers actually like what Bryant brings to the desk, he’s on a one-year deal. Muscala is cheaper and below contract for an extra season. Given Bryant is a rental, the Lakers’ leverage in any deal is proscribed.
Muscala and Bryant can’t be traded straight up for each other due to the cap state of affairs in Los Angeles, however there are packages that may very well be constructed across the swap of these two gamers. It couldn’t occur till shut to the beginning of the brand new yr, however the sort of deal would make sense for either side.Â
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