How Cam Reddish's Injury Impacts Lakers' Trade Deadline
The Los Angeles Lakers' 2023-24 season has been filled with injuries (although the team's three best players have been pretty healthy), causing much frustration around the organization. The team entered the year with high expectations for themselves after a run to the Western Conference Finals a year ago.
But instead, they have been incredibly inconsistent each night that they've taken the floor. With the trade deadline later today, the Lakers front office has some work to do to improve the roster.
However, there has been a thought recently that no major moves will be made. Part of this reason is the price that opposing teams are charging for premium assets, but also because the Lakers should be getting some players back from injury soon.
The team lost forward Cam Reddish to injury a few weeks back, and he has been out since. Reddish emerged as a key weapon for the Lakers, especially on the defensive end of the floor.
His injury saw them lose another wing defender, and it has hurt their defensive approach. Adding insult to injury, the Lakers also have now lost forward Jarred Vanderbilt for an extended period of time as well.
The injury to Reddish is one that has seen them look for more help along the wing areas, but there is some hope for a return soon. He will have his knee evaluated by doctors before the game against the Denver Nuggets later today.
This is great news for the Lakers, and it could impact how strongly they pursue any trade. If the front office feels that getting Reddish back is the same as making a trade, then they could stand pat.
They should also be getting Vanderbilt back at some point this season, as well as point guard Gabe Vincent. That's three role players returning to the lineup without the Lakers moving any of their already limited assets.
It's a tricky game that Los Angeles could play, but one that could see them hold firm at what they are willing to give up in any potential trade.
