By Pierre-Andréa Fraile | Sports journalist
Stuck in the soft underbelly of the Western Conference for several weeks, Spurs and Lakers seem destined to liven up the market before the trade deadline. A big name could also possibly be on the radar of the two franchises according to an insider.
Who would have thought such a small gap would separate them at this stage of the season? NBA ? After 30 matches, Lakers (17-13) et Spurs (15-15) appear almost neck and neck in the Western Conference. In any case, everyone hopes to take part in the postseason, and even more optimistically in the playoffs. However, it is difficult to make such a prediction given the irregularity that characterizes them.
There is also a fairly simple reasoning to explain this phenomenon common to both teams: the shortcomings displayed by their squads. The fact that each regularly comes up in transfer rumors is therefore not surprising. Both should thus liven up the market before the February 6 deadline… and even potentially find themselves fighting over the same issue.
Spurs and Lakers, possible destinations for a tough star?
Relatively ambitious, Spurs and Lakers will therefore logically tend to shop in franchises ready to sacrifice their season. However, other opportunities could present themselves, particularly in Sacramento. Given the Kings' struggles, a player like De'Aaron Fox could indeed pack up and interest the two teams according to Tim MacMahon ofESPN :
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Tim MacMahon : If Fox asks to leave, teams like San Antonio and Houston are the ones to watch. I've also heard the Lakers are on the case, but it's hard to know how much of that is just speculation given that he's a Klutch client. There is also talk regarding Miami knowing its ties to Bam Adebayo.
A referenced playmaker within the league, Fox would first of all have everything to seduce the leaders of Los Angeles. The latter have in fact been looking for a replacement for D'Angelo Russell for months and would like to reduce LeBron James' responsibilities. A solid defender, the Kings star therefore presents a suitable profile capable of carrying the ball and making a welcome impact in terms of scoring.
On the other hand, these qualities seem at first glance less required in San Antonio, where Chris Paul was recruited last summer to feed Victor Wembanyama. That said, the latter is approaching 40 years old and will reach the end of his contract next June. Replacing it now with Swipa would therefore represent a real improvement, which explains the ambient enthusiasm for this track in Texas.
According to Tim MacMahon, De'Aaron Fox could cause a duel between Lakers and Spurs if he were to demand a departure from the Kings soon. A hypothesis which risks gaining credibility if the crisis experienced by Sacramento (13-18) continues.
