If the Los Angeles Lakers had their way prior to the 2018 NBA trade deadline, they’d be making a deal for one of these exciting targets.
We’re already a month into the 2017-18 NBA season, and it’s been an interesting one for the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite some early struggles, they’ve proven themselves capable of contending for a playoff spot due to some surprising performances from unlikely stars.
Still, chances are this season is nothing more than an opportunity for development. The Lakers aren’t good enough to make a run — at best, they’ll lose 4-1 in the first round and go home proud of what they accomplished. The main focus right now is still getting to next offseason, which could be a big one for Magic Johnson and co.
While that may be the case, that doesn’t mean the rebuild has to wait until June or July. Instead, the Lakers could make some moves before the 2018 NBA trade deadline, which is set for Feb. 8. Today, though, I want to take it a step further than that.
In this scenario, I want to imagine we’re in a dream world where anything is possible. Instead of trying to be realistic and limiting ourselves, I’m thinking big. That’s why, as you probably gathered from the headline, this will be focused on some dream trade-deadline targets for the Lakers in 2018.
Just keep in mind that each of these targets could be tradable in theory. I’m not just making hyperbolic claims like the Lakers should trade for Karl Anthony-Towns or Giannis Antetokounmpo.
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So without further ado, let’s take a look at three targets I believe should be in the Lakers’ crosshairs between now and Feb. 8. The odds of any of these deals happening are slim, but that doesn’t mean we can’t let our imaginations wonder as we work our way through the early part of the NBA season.
Jabari Parker, PF, Milwaukee Bucks
I know what you’re saying here — why do the Lakers need another power forward? They’ve already got Julius Randle, Larry Nance Jr. and Kyle Kuzma, which is already a logjam. Adding Jabari Parker to the mix wouldn’t solve anything, right?
Well, I beg to differ. I’ll admit I’m a bigger Parker fan than the average person. Still, even from a more unbiased perspective, it’s difficult to deny that there’s plenty to love about the former No. 2 overall pick’s potential.
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The problem up to this point has been his health. Twice since entering the league, Parker has torn his ACL. That’s obviously been a rather significant hindrance to his development. What we have seen from the Duke product, though, is immense upside and the ability to take over games at times.
At this moment, it’s unclear if the Milwaukee Bucks plan on re-signing him. There have been talks of Parker seeking a max contract, but that’s unlikely to happen unless someone gets desperate. There’s too much uncertainty surrounding his future considering the knee injuries that have plagued his first few years in the league. Plus, it’s not like he’s been truly elite like Joel Embiid.
Still, in this dream-world scenario, I’m working under the assumption that the injuries are in the past for Parker. The Lakers make a deal for him, sending Randle and some draft compensation to the Bucks for a player that once seemed like a future superstar. Parker comes to Los Angeles, lights it up, and becomes one of the new faces of the franchise.
Atlanta Hawks’ 2018 first round pick
Let’s assume one thing in this hypothetical — the Atlanta Hawks end up with the worst record during the 2017-18 season. They currently own it at 3-15, but that could easily change. Still, that would give them the best odds of winning the top pick in the upcoming 2018 NBA Draft.
Now, could you imagine the damage the Lakers could do with that pick? They already boast a rather impressive young core of players, including Kuzma, Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram. Adding another top-tier prospect to that list could be the deciding factor, especially if they managed to sign a superstar or two during 2018 free agency.
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That’s why trading for the Hawks’ first round pick would be a dream could true. I’d currently put the real-world odds of that happening somewhere south of one percent, but that’s not the purpose of this exercise. Instead, it’s to imagine the possibilities if we weren’t limited by the laws of reality.
So let’s say the Lakers throw in Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr., 2020 and 2022 first round picks, and maybe a couple of second-round picks. In return, they get Marco Belinelli and Malcolm Delaney (both expiring deals), as well as the 2018 first round pick. I would have thrown Julius Randle in as well, but the financials didn’t work without including a multi-year contract from the Hawks, which the Lakers obviously aren’t interested in.
Sure, Los Angeles loses two of its better young players and some serious draft assets. Still, they acquire a couple of quality shooters for this year and a shot at one of the 2018 class’ elite talents. Someone like Marvin Bagley III or Mohamed Bamba would be terrific.
I’m not sure if gutting the Lakers’ future picks is ideal, but adding an elite rookie could put this team over the top in 2018-19.
DeMarcus Cousins, C, New Orleans Pelicans
Instead of waiting to potentially sign DeMarcus Cousins next offseason, the Lakers could choose to trade for the New Orleans Pelicans’ big man instead. It’s a bold move that’ll likely cost Los Angeles some serious assets, but it could pay serious dividends from a big-picture perspective.
There are a couple of things playing into this one. First, they could throw in talents like Clarkson and Randle, which would help in the financial department. It gets Clarkson and his $12.5 million annual salary off the books, and saves the Lakers from having to deal with Randle’s restricted free agency in 2018.
The other part is that, by acquiring Cousins via trade, the Lakers would also be acquiring his Bird Rights. That means they’d be able to re-sign him without regards to the salary cap, which could provide them even more flexibility during 2018 free agency. Unloading Luol Deng as part of the deal would also be a dream come true, but that’s a bit too ambitious.
Cousins has been a superstar for the Pelicans this season. Despite that, it’s still unclear if they plan on re-signing him to a max deal next offseason. If they start to fall out of the playoff picture and continue to struggle with his short temper, it wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility for Cousins to be traded.
So I’m thinking Clarkson, Randle, Ivica Zubac and a 2020 first round pick for Cousins. I considered using Brook Lopez in the deal instead, but it was too restrictive from a financial standpoint.
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The Pelicans aren’t bringing Cousins back in this hypothetical, so this is more than enough compensation. Then, the Lakers have more spending power next offseason, even if they aren’t able to move on from Deng’s albatross of a contract. It’s a win-win, and lands the game’s best offensive center with the team that’s likely been on his radar for some time.