Los Angeles Lakers: 4 trades team should make before deadline
By Simon Smith
1. New Orleans Pelicans
This is what it all comes down to – landing the ultimate sidekick for James.
So it was music to the ears of the Lakers’ top brass following the latest blockbuster report from Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, outlining Davis’s decision not to sign a contract extension with the New Orleans Pelicans over the summer and subsequently request a trade.
In 41 games this season, Davis has averaged 29.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 2.6 blocks and 1.7 assists in 37.1 minutes per game. Incredibly still just 25 years of age, Davis represents as one of the most attractive trade pieces in years.
Following the revelation, the Pelicans stated they will be going through due process in order to make the best possible deal for the franchise.
In the absolute prime of his career and with no shortage of suitors, formulating a deal for Davis is clearly no easy feat. In this case, the Lakers will utilizing another two teams in order to provide maximum satisfaction for the Pelicans, in a deal that works out financially on the ESPN Trade Machine:
For the Lakers:
Pros: The acquisition of Davis is simply the dream of any general manager, so this doesn’t require any further explanation.
Cons: Naturally, the depth of the roster is significantly depleted, with all the elite young talent on the roster now elsewhere. Most notably, the point guard spot is barren, filled only by a couple of genuine backups in Frank Jackson and Tim Frazier.
For the Pelicans:
Pros: The addition of five-time All-Star Kevin Love provides the franchise with a legitimate focal point moving forward. Furthermore, the exciting young duo of Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram should ensure the franchise has a bright future for many years to come.
Cons: The loss of one of the elite players in the league in the prime of his career is a significant blow regardless of the players coming aboard.
For the Cavaliers:
Pros: Essentially, this deal provides the Cleveland Cavaliers with enormous cap flexibility moving forward, with $29 million worth of deals from the incoming Jabari Parker and Rajon Rondo coming off the books at season’s end. In addition, the Cavaliers welcome exciting second-year forward Kyle Kuzma, currently averaging 19.1 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. Furthermore, the ability to get their hands off the four years and $120 million owed to Love commencing next season makes enormous sense for a franchise in a rebuilding mode.
Cons: The loss of one of the last remaining pieces of the Cavaliers’ 2016 title is certain to hit at the heartstrings of many fans.
For the Bulls:
Pros: Quite simply, the future first round draft selection earned for taking on additional salary for an extra year is suitable for a Chicago Bulls team in a complete teardown mode.
Cons: The addition of the pair of contracts to Jordan Clarkson and Solomon Hill means the Bulls will be completely hamstrung this summer as it pertains to potentially adding any meaningful talent.
Ultimately, the Lakers’ rotation would appear as follows if all these deals transpired:
Starters:
- G – Tim Frazier
- G – Josh Hart
- F – LeBron James
- F – Jeff Green
- C – Anthony Davis
Reserves:
- G/F – Terrence Ross
- G – Frank Jackson
- C – Tyson Chandler
- F – Michael Beasley
- C – JaVale McGee
- G – Wayne Ellington
So while the top-end talent is substantial, the depth of the roster leaves a fair bit to be desired. However, this would be a small price to pay if the Lakers were able to land one of the most prized trade acquisitions in quite some time.