Report: Blazers Sharpshooter Is ‘Almost Certainly’ at Top of Lakers List

The Los Angeles Lakers will have to work on their roster in the offseason. The team was eliminated in the first round of the NBA playoffs. LeBron James and his teammates weren’t able to win back-to-back titles. The four-time NBA champion will have to retire at some point, and the Lakers will have to try and get the best of him. General Manager Rob Pelinka brought some talented veterans last offseason, but some of them they struggled to make an impact. Maybe the franchise will go for a third superstar to work with Anthony Davis and King James. A Portland Trail Blazers sharpshooter may be on the Lakers list right now.

Sam Quinn from CBS Sports reported that Damian Lillard won’t really join the Lakers in the next period. Well, one of his teammates may be a great fit for the Lakers.

“Lillard’s teammate CJ McCollum is almost certainly at the top of [Rob] Pelinka’s wish list … if he’s at all available. He checks every box aside from defense: 3-point shooting, shot creation for teammates, clutch credentials, experience leading bench units, you name it. There isn’t a more perfect offensive fit on the market, but for the time being, there’s little evidence that McCollum even is on the market.”

The Blazers sharpshooter earned a spot on the Lakers list for a reason

The Lakers started working on defense at the very same moment they hired Frank Vogel. It was a great move, but the team had to add more offensive power. McCollum wouldn’t add tons of power on the defensive side of the ball, but the veteran shoots 39.8% from three and averages over 20 points per game in the last six seasons.

McCollum would be the third scoring option the Lakers need at the moment. Maybe Portland won’t give up on him that easily.

The veteran has spent eight years with the Trail Blazers. His contract extension kicks in for next season. McCollum won’t force his way out in the near future and he has an excellent relationship with Lillard. The Trail Blazers don’t want to upset Lillard at this point and they will sure try to make him happy.

Portland has the second-worst defensive rating in the league. The franchise will have to add defensive stoppers.