The Los Angeles Lakers have come a long way since their 2-10 start to the 2022-23 campaign, but they still have plenty of work to do if they want to get into the championship conversation.
Through 30 games, the team is 13-17 on the season.
Anthony Davis‘ recent injury will only make matters tougher for the squad, but one thing remains true: If the Lakers are going to compete for a title this season, they’re going to have to make some trades at some point.
It sounds like Terrence Ross of the Orlando Magic could be a target for L.A.
“Terrence Ross has long garnered interest from the Los Angeles Lakers, sources said,” wrote NBA insider Jake Fischer. “New York was in pursuit of Ross in previous years, as well. Yet, while Orlando has rebuffed offers below a first-round pick for the veteran swingman in recent seasons, sources said, it’s difficult to foresee a playoff contender sacrificing more than a single second-round selection for Ross’ services. The same goes for Gary Harris, although both wing players carry no guaranteed salary beyond this 2022-23 campaign.”
Ross has been in the league for about a decade, starting with the Toronto Raptors before joining the Magic.
Time will tell if a new team is in his future.
What Would Ross Bring To The Lakers?
It’s no secret that the Lakers lack shooting.
As a team, L.A. is shooting just 32.8 percent from beyond the arc this season, which is a bottom-five mark in the NBA.
Ross would help a little bit in this department.
He’s shooting 36.6 percent from deep this season and has a career mark of 36.2 percent from beyond the arc (over a massive 11-season sample size).
Terrence Ross on target🎯 #Magicpic.twitter.com/II5jBlGIw6
— TheColdWire.com (@thecoldwire) December 15, 2022
The 31-year-old may be averaging just 8.3 points per game this season, but that’s because he’s taking just 7.7 shots per contest (his lowest mark since his rookie campaign).
Moreover, Ross understands what it takes for a team to be successful, as he has been part of both winning and losing squads during his career.
That would make him a good fit on a Lakers team that is trying very hard to become a winning squad.
The veteran is a free agent at the end of the season, so fans can expect to hear his name in lots of rumors leading up to the Feb. 9 deadline.
