Los Angeles Lakers: Dream trade targets before 2018 deadline

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.