Lakers deal reached, the new season out, the strength is comparable to the warriors among the top 5

Recently, the Lakers' move shocked the league by sending Holden Tucker and Stanley Johnson to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Black Bay. As we all know, Holden Tucker is a player that the Lakers have been highly valued to develop in recent years, and they had refused to include Tucker in a deal for Lowery in 2021, yet only a year later, they put him in a deal for Beverly. In addition, the Lakers also gave up Stanley Johnson, who was the Lakers' best outside defender last season. With the addition of Beverly, outsiders began to question West brook's role in the Lakers' new season. We all know that Beverly had West brook out for the season, and the two have had many conflicts in the past, and in the social media is even more saber rattling. With the addition of Beverly, it's time for the Lakers to pull the trigger on West brook's deal.

Lakers' 3-for-2 deal with Pacers puts LA back in title contention again

Lakers get: Yield, Turner

Pacers acquire: West brook, 2027 and 2029 first-round picks

The Lakers and Pacers have reportedly been discussing this 3-for-2 deal for weeks, and apparently it all hinges on whether the Lakers are willing to package their two first-round picks along with West brook. According to reports this week, they have agreed to send away 2 first-round picks after getting K Beverley. If the Lakers reach a deal with the Pacers, it would make them a favorable title contender for the second time since the 19-20 season.

The first advantage the deal brings to the Lakers is more security in long-range shooting. With the addition of Beverley, the Lakers add a decent shooter to the mix, as Black Bay is a career 37.8% three-point shooter. Yield, on the other hand, has shot nearly 40 percent from three in his career to date and has been a player with at least 200 three-pointers in each of the last four seasons. Obviously , Yield provides the Lakers with an option that can be trusted from the outside, which is a point that the Lakers are currently desperately lacking. Many times last season, we saw James kill the paint with the ball, draw the pack and leave the outside in absolute openness, but no one could hit those 3. With the addition of Yield, the Lakers will be dramatically better in space and efficiency.

The addition of Turner adds a barrier to the Lakers' defense on the interior. Turner missed 40 games last season and, like the Brow, is looking to break out in the new season, having been one of the league's top capers over the past four seasons. Turner has delivered an average of 2.5 caps per season since 2019 and has taken home the cap title in 2019 and as well as 2021. Over the last three years, Turner has averaged 12.7 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.7 caps while shooting 48.1 percent from the field. If he joins the Lakers, he could get more offensive opportunities next to James, and he could join a healthy Brow to form one of the more intimidating interior duos in the West.

The Lakers' lineup for the new season

Starting lineup: Beverly, Yield, James, Brow, Turner

Substitutes: Dunn, Reeves, Lonnie Walker IV, Juan Anderson, Thomas Bryant, Troy Brown Jr.

If the Lakers and Pacers reach a deal before the start of the new season, Los Angeles' roster will look very different from last season. And James and the Brow remain the core of the Lakers, with James averaging 30.3 points in 56 games played last season and Davis averaging 23.3 points in 40 games. They are still top scorers and can be successful as long as they play together. The only question is whether they can play a full season healthy in the new season.

In addition to James and Davis, the Lakers' starting lineup is improved across the board, especially on the defensive end. On the outside, Beverley can absolutely tear up opposing star guards and he can energize the Lakers on the defensive end. On the inside, Turner is an excellent defender. Placing another captain with excellent movement ability next to Davis will definitely allow the Lakers to create a barrier in the paint.

On the bench, Reeves played a great game last season and can play a more important role off the bench. Dunn will also make his debut with the Lakers and is expected to play at the same level as he did with the Heat. Compared to last season, the Lakers are younger and more athletic on the bench. In addition the Lakers can still make some moves, such as bringing in players like Sexton and Schroeder to place more scoring points.

Can such Lakers compete for a championship?

Obviously, the Lakers' potential new roster makes them much improved in several aspects, the only weakness is the lack of a strong organizer other than James. However, the Lakers would like Eaves or Dunn to take on the task of organizing the tandem off the bench. Davis and Turner's interior defense will lead to more opportunities to convert fast breaks, resulting in easier scoring. One obstacle in the Lakers' path back to the championship is that the other teams in the West are good in terms of depth and talent.

The defending champion Warriors kept their core lineup while adding some great players as additions. With Wise man, Kunming and Moody also set to play more important roles in the new season, the Warriors are still a force to be reckoned with. The Clippers' Leonard ushered in his return, while Wall added to the team, once George returned to health, the Clippers' strength is also horrible. After Murray's return, the Nuggets made some nice additions in the free agent market, and they will also become healthier and better. And the Mavericks, Timber wolves and Pelicans are all young, dark horse teams.

All in all, if the Lakers can reach a deal to get rid of West brook and bring in Yield and Turner, then they should be among the top five in the West. New head coach Ham will also bring fresh air to the Lakers and the Lakers have a chance to make history by getting their 18th championship trophy.