The Los Angeles Lakers may get creative during the trade season and pursue an underrated star with tremendous upside.
A third-year Indiana Pacers standout wing could catch the Lakers’ attention.
“While (Tyrese) Haliburton and Pascal Siakam are not playing at their best, Bennedict Mathurin is having a career year,” Fadeaway World’s Cholo Martin Magsino wrote Friday.
“The 22-year-old is scoring 17.2 points, grabbing 6.3 rebounds, and dishing 1.7 assists per game. He has been reliably efficient at 46.7% from the field and 37.7% from long distance.”
“He is an athletic player with a natural knack for scoring. That has been lost for a while on the Los Angeles Lakers roster. A vertical threat like him could boost the team, especially since LeBron James can play the point guard role when needed.”
“Mathurin can fit well into JJ Redick’s system with his scoring ability. That should mean the Lakers have a deeper rotation in the wing positions because Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, Max Christie, and Rui Hachimura have done a decent job.”
“However, they could elevate the team to the next level with a guard like Mathurin. The Lakers usually play at a slower pace, but with Mathurin, they have a fearless player who will always attack the paint.”
“This opens the door for Anthony Davis to make even more of an impact on offense. The Lakers having a rim attacker leads to AD getting more space to go for the offensive rebound or be open for a pocket pass and an easy finish at the rim.”
“The Pacers will do this to shed his contract while getting two expiring contracts and a superb defender like Jarred Vanderbilt.”
“Of course, they could easily re-route Vando to another team because any team would love to have a versatile defender. The issue with him is the injuries, which could be a deciding factor for this Mathurin trade.”
Mathurin has been a solid asset for the Pacers since joining the franchise in 2019, but he’s finally receiving the recognition he deserves.
While the Pacers have struggled to find their rhythm, Mathurin has showcased his reliable transition scoring ability, serviceable shooting from downtown, and decisive ball-handling all season.
Vanderbilt is a versatile forward who plays his role successfully when healthy.
However, with Mathurin’s recent ascension to stardom, the Lakers may attempt to complete a blockbuster trade with the Pacers this year.