Lakers Chase Championship, Possible Roster Shake-Up Looms Ahead

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The Los Angeles Lakers are riding high with a five-game winning streak, capturing 17 victories in their last 21 contests, positioning them within striking distance of the No. 2 seed in the competitive Western Conference.

With a challenging month of March ahead, attention turns to how the team will finish the season. Alongside the prospects for a championship title, roster changes are also on the horizon as the Lakers continue to evaluate their lineup.

Though the trade deadline has passed, the Lakers are not finished making roster adjustments. Analysts suggest moves could be imminent to optimize the team’s talent as they pursue a title run.

Potential roster changes include the release of veteran forward Cam Reddish or center Alex Len to accommodate the addition of guard Jordan Goodwin. The Athletic’s Jovan Buha discussed the possibility on a recent podcast, highlighting, “Technically, the Lakers can waive multiple players, but I don’t see them waiving more than two. And if it’s two, I would say it’s probably going to be Cam Reddish and Alex Len.”

Buha also pointed out that Shake Milton’s non-guaranteed contract, which extends for two more years, makes him an appealing asset for the trade market. Comparatively, the contract of former Lakers guard Jalen Hood-Schifino holds similar value.

While the Lakers may consider waiving either Len or Reddish, forward Markieff Morris remains an option, though his departure seems unlikely. Buha remarked on Morris’s leadership role, stating, “He was part of the 2020 title team and was part of the 2024 Finals run with Dallas. He’s kind of a Udonis Haslem type figure in the locker room where he’s a guy no one wants to mess with. When he speaks, people listen.”

Buha expressed a preference for cutting Reddish over Morris, noting, “Realistically, if they waive someone, it’s likely going to be Cam. If they waive a second player, it would likely be Alex Len, because again, they have some flexibility with Shake Milton in trades down the line.”

The stakes are high as the Lakers eye playoff contention. As analyst JJ Redick noted following a recent win against the Clippers, Goodwin is expected to play a significant role in the team’s rotation moving forward.

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