The NBA trade deadline is fast approaching, and several teams are looking to upgrade their rosters in hopes of solidifying their chances of winning it all in June. Two teams in particular are the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors, both of whom find themselves far from where they need to be.
Both teams have stars, though they aren't nearly as good as they could be and aren't in the mix as top contenders. That leads us to an interesting potential trade between the Lakers and Warriors, first pitched by Bleacher Report's Greg Schwartz.
While the Lakers may not be ready to move on from their best players, if they can't make much headway in the standings between now and the February 6th trade deadline, their hand may be forced. After all, this could be their final season with their current core their last chance to win a championship for the foreseeable future.
Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors haven't been able to break away from the pack and have found themselves in a dogfight in standings in the western conference. They are currently 8th in the west and don't appear poised to make a deep playoff run even though they have a talented roster. They have already made a big trade by acquiring former Brooklyn Nets guard Dennis Schroeder to help give Steph Curry more playmaking.
Be that as it may, they need more help, and they have enough trade assets to be able to make a big move. Potentially even including acquiring a Lakers star. Golden State should look to consolidate their assets and try and make one last run at a championship with Curry as their best player.
While the Lakers will likely be loath to make a deal involving one of their star players and an in-state rival, they would potentially be foolish to turn down a majorly beneficial trade. One that could set themselves up well for the future.
Especially given that they have traded away most of their assets to build their current roster and have only a handful of picks going forward. That's not to mention that they are near the second tax apron, making trades much harder.
While both teams are close together in the standings, the Warriors may be better positioned to contend long-term. After all, the Lakers best player, LeBron James, is 40 years old and may be in the final season of his career.
Meanwhile, Anthony Davis, despite having another strong season is in his 30s and may not be a player that they can build it around over a long period. That makes the possibility of a trade between the two teams at least possible.
But what would the Warriors have to give up to make a deal happen? Next, let's take a look at the potential Lakers and Warriors trade and see whether either team would agree to the deal as is. Or whether the deal could be reconstructed to benefit both sides.