NBA: Buy or sell 20 of the most surprising early-season trends

Joel Embiid (Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports)
Joel Embiid (Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports)
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Darvin Ham
Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham (Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports)

Nothing has changed for the Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers have had an up-and-down start to the season. Through the first couple of weeks of the season, the Lakers are 4-5. Anthony Davis and LeBron James continue to do great things for the Lakers but they still lack a third star that could take this team to another level. Truthfully, despite their run to the Western Conference Finals last season, this is exactly where the Lakers were last season.

After an offseason where they retooled their roster, it’s more of the same struggles for the Lakers this season. In other words, not much has changed for the Lakers. They aren’t in a position where they can realistically compete with the likes of the defending champion Denver Nuggets. Unless something changes.

If the Lakers genuinely want to compete for a championship, they’ll likely have to add another star or star-level player at the NBA Trade Deadline. The question is, will the Lakers admit that to be the case.

Verdict: Buy