The Los Angeles Lakers have an obvious star duo, but are they one big trade away from truly contending?
A new piece from Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus proposes a three-team deal that would result in very intriguing roster changes for the Lakers.
“While Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick downplayed his franchise’s need for a traditional center, the team privately confirmed that it could use a big man with girth,” Pincus said. “Top basketball executive Rob Pelinka also indicated the Lakers would be open to moving future first-round picks for a marginal (one pick) or more significant (two) upgrade.”
“Of the potential targets … one stands out as slightly more realistic than the others—the combination of Malcolm Brogdon and Jonas Valančiūnas from the Washington Wizards. As a more defensive-minded ball-handling guard, Brogdon would replace D’Angelo Russell, who is needed in the deal for salary-matching purposes. Valančiūnas would give the Lakers a sized option at center.”
“The Washington Wizards acquired Valančiūnas over the summer, so a deal wouldn’t be legal until close to the trade deadline (February 6). Add the Chicago Bulls, who get out of an expendable backup guard for their trouble to make everything come together.”
The full outcome of the trade proposal would go as follows. The Lakers would receive 2022-23 Sixth Man of the Year Malcolm Brogdon (from Wizards), Jonas Valančiūnas (from Wizards), and Jevon Carter (from Bulls).
The Wizards would receive D’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Christian Wood, and Cam Reddish from the Lakers.
The Bulls would receive Johnny Davis and Patrick Baldwin Jr. from the Wizards.
Should the Lakers consider a trade similar to the above deal proposed by Pincus? A top six of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Valančiūnas, Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, and Brogdon would certainly be tougher than what they have right now.
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