After winning the first-ever NBA in-season tournament, the Los Angeles Lakers are just 2-6 since and only ninth in the Western Conference. That slump has caused coach Darvin Ham to adjust his starting lineup while the Lakers mull a trade for a star. A few names have been mentioned, but perhaps one that should but hasn't is Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green.
Green is currently serving an indefinite suspension, and the Warriors could look to trade him ahead of the February deadline. Despite his erratic behavior, the Lakers might have some interest in Green since he'd possibly be a low-cost option who, if fully engaged, could help swing a playoff series with his defense and passing. However, what would the Lakers have to give up in a hypothetical deal for Green?
NBA trades: Lakers land Draymond Green in a proposed deal with the Warriors.
In a hypothetical deal for Green, the Lakers could ship out Rui Hachimura, Jaxon Hayes, and a second-round pick to the Warriors. That might not seem like much of a return for the Warriors, but Hachimura has been a solid bench contributor for the Lakers, averaging 12.3 points in just 24 minutes per game with good efficiency.
His size has also helped give the Lakers a big rotation, whose length can negatively affect opponents. He'd bring that to Golden State, while Hayes has proven to be a decent backup center, giving the Warriors added depth. Meanwhile, adding Green would potentially help boost what is already a top-10 Lakers defense without necessarily closing the door on another trade for, say, Zach LaVine.
Green would certainly be a wildcard pickup, and it could blow up in the Lakers' face were they to trade for him and he gets suspended yet again. That being said, LeBron James has been known to help bring out the best in his teammates, and he could potentially do the same for Green if a deal between the Lakers and Warriors goes down.
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