Last summer, coming off a disappointing first-round playoff loss to the Phoenix Suns, the Los Angeles Lakers aggressively looked to reload.
According to multiple reports, they had an offer lined up to acquire Buddy Hield, a sharpshooting off-guard who has a career average of 15.9 points per game.
But the Lakers instead pivoted and made a deal for Russell Westbrook.
Many consider the Westbrook trade to be a huge mistake and failure, although the organization is hopeful and even optimistic that it can make things work with him next season.
Apparently, the Lakers’ pursuit of Hield isn’t over.
Via Lakers Daily:
“According to a recent report, the Lakers remain interested in Hield. Hield, who was traded to the Indiana Pacers from the Sacramento Kings during the 2021-22 season, could be a gettable asset as the Pacers continue to build for the future.
“‘As Indiana continues to take calls for Malcolm Brogdon and Myles Turner, the Lakers have circled back to a familiar target: Buddy Hield,’ wrote Matt Moore of the Action Network.”
L.A. needs better 3-point shooting, and Hield would certainly help fill that need. For his career, he has hit 39.8 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc.
However, this season, he had something of an off year, as his 3-point accuracy fell to 36.6 percent, which was by far a career-low.
Hield is also a below-average defender, and some even consider him to be flat-out bad on that end of the floor.
Although some Lakers fans may overrate Hield, he would be a significant upgrade for the team at the right price.
