The Los Angeles Lakers’ 2025 postseason performance will tell the franchise plenty about its current state.
If Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and the Lakers fail to advance past the first or second round, it will be clear that an offseason move must be made.
Los Angeles may consider acquiring a plummeting Golden State Warriors guard preparing for the No. 7 vs No. 8 Western Conference Play-In contest.
Buddy Hield was a long-range extraordinaire for the Warriors early in the year. The former Philadelphia 76ers contributor shot 50% from three in October and 41.4% from three in November.
However, Hield’s efficiency hasn’t been as dependable lately, which explains why Sir Charles in Charge’s Michael Saenz believes the Oklahoma product could get traded this summer.
"Since the arrival of Jimmy Butler, the Warriors have looked like a completely different team - one that is prepared to make a run in the NBA Playoffs, Sir Charles in Charge’s Michael Saenz wrote Sunday.
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"It's hard to predict what contract the Warriors would want to explore removing from their books, but I do wonder if Buddy Hield could be a candidate.”
"After what was an extremely hot start to the season, Hield has had a pretty up-and-down year for the Warriors.”
"Unless he has another hot streak in the postseason, it wouldn't be that shocking to see Golden State explore trading the three-point shooting specialist - especially if they're going to have any shot to re-sign Jonathan Kuminga in free agency.”
If the Warriors beat the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday or win their following Play-In game, Hield will get a chance to return to his sharpshooting ways on the big stage.
A lackluster showing from the 2020 three-point contest champion would likely motivate the Dubs to wash their hands with Hield, allowing Los Angeles to examine the pros and cons of pursuing the 2020 NBA three-point contest champion.
Hield, a ninth-year pro, is a 39.7% career long-range shooter, making him a proven threat from deep when in rhythm.
Still, Hield’s erratic nature could be viewed as a red flag for a Los Angeles squad that wants to surround Doncic with consistent perimeter shooting.
At the very least, Hield should receive moderate interest from the Lakers in the offseason.
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