NBA: Moves that West playoff teams need to make to take a step forward

Los Angeles Lakers: Go all-in for a third star

Praised for having a great offseason last year, the Los Angeles Lakers dramatically fell short of expectations. Rajon Rondo, Danny Green, JaVale McGee, and Dwight Howard were “upgraded” for Dennis Schroder, Wes Matthews, Montrezl Harrell, and Marc Gasol. The team was seen as favorites to repeat. After injuries to their key free agents, LeBron and AD, the Lakers finished 7th in the West and ended up losing in 6 games to the eventual Western Conference Champion Phoenix Suns.

Now, the Lakers are at a crossroads. LeBron isn’t getting any younger, Anthony Davis caught the injury bug, and their bench has become unreliable. Before their window closes, the Purple and Gold must make their move.

They don’t have enough cap space to sign a guy like Kyle Lowry or Chris Paul, but they can sign-and-trade for them. Caldwell-Pope and Kuzma are making a combined $26 million next season. Dennis Schroeder and Talen Horton-Tucker can be signed and immediately traded.

A great fit for the current roster would be Kyle Lowry if they can sign and trade for him. He is able to take pressure off the aging Lakers core with his scoring ability. Other options may be to trade for former MVP Russell Westbrook, or sharpshooter Buddy Hield.

The time is now for Los Angeles to be aggressive and the future is worth mortgaging for a chance at title number 18.