The LA Lakers are believed to be interested in acquiring Bucks’ defensive ace PJ Tucker to increase the defensive strength of their roster.
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The 2020 NBA champions LA Lakers had a very disappointing 2020-21 NBA season. The superstar duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis struggled with injuries for most of the season.
The Lakers somehow managed to get past the play-in tournament but were eliminated by the Phoenix Suns in the first round. The Lakers were one of the top teams when it came to defense during the regular season.
However, the team played lackluster defense in the post-season. The Lakers clearly missed Dwight Howard and Javale McGee, as they were an integral part of the team’s defense during their championship run in 2020.
The likes of Montrezl Harrell, Marc Gasol, and Andre Drummond could not fill in the places of Dwight and Javale.
As per reports, the Lakers have expressed a key interest in Bucks forward PJ Tucker. The veteran is a physical specimen and can really add depth to the defense of the Lakers.
PJ Tucker is in a lot of demand entering the 2021-22 NBA season
The 36-year old is on the waiting list of many teams that include the likes of the Brooklyn Nets, Miami Heat, and the Warriors to name a few.
Brooklyn has maintained an interest in Tucker dating back to the Nets’ James Harden trade talks. Miami also discussed adding Tucker in variations of the Heat’s negotiations for Victor Oladipo, sources said.
Add the Lakers, Warriors, Nuggets, and Jazz as teams that could vie for Tucker’s services too. Minnesota, led of course by former Rockets executive Gersson Rosas, has coveted Tucker dating back to the 2020 Draft, sources said, and the Wolves have continued searching for frontcourt improvements.
Tucker has impressed everyone with his performances in the 2021 NBA Playoffs. The veteran’s performance in the Nets series was one of his best, giving a tough time to Kevin Durant.
Despite bring 6-feet 5 inches, Tucker can guard the bigs of the league without any hesitation.
Reminder that this was a real life graphic for the NBA Playoffs. PJ Tucker deserves more respect for his dedication to doing whatever the team needs of him. Show me a single other player under 6’6 who doesn’t demand a trade after a month at Center…#NBA #NBAPlayoffs #NBATwitter pic.twitter.com/epubrq1ncc
— Opinions On Pickens (@OOPickens) July 12, 2021
It will be interesting to see where Tucker would take his talents to, the Lakers are definitely an option with LeBron and AD being healthy the upcoming season.
However, Tucker shares a close bond with Kevin Durant and James Harden as well. Harden and Tucker played together in Houston.