Former NBA player Ty Lawson recently proposed a trade involving Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic. The former NBA guard suggested this trade with the intent of acquiring stars such as Anthony Edwards or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, if they were available. While discussing the subject in a recent episode of “Gil’s Arena“, Lawson said:
“I would get Luka up outta here, me, being honest, I would — listen, for Ant-Man, Shai.”
Lawson’s biggest critique of Doncic was much like any other media personality following the Lakers’ stars postseason performance – his defensive output.
“The Lakers’ future, I think, is going to be kind of wild. Because your best player, they’re going to treat like Isaiah Thomas,” said Lawson, comparing Doncic on defense to the former Celtics guard. “He’s getting 30, but we’re going to bring his lil’ a** in the pick-and-roll and he’s going to go out there and figure it out. You’re going to get a good shot every time.”
Doncic caught a lot of flak for his poor defensive work in the playoffs. Although he has been an elite offensive threat, the Slovenian was routinely targeted by the Minnesota Timberwolves on switches to kick off their offensive sets.
Lawson’s trade idea is quite optimistic, however. An attempt to trade Doncic would be counterproductive to the team’s current plans in many ways. Additionally, a trade involving Edwards may very well be rejected as the Mavericks have already failed in trying to make that trade happen in the past.
Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder currently has an MVP-caliber player in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Given how effective he has been for the team, notching a league-high 32.7 points per game this season and leading them to the No. 1 seed in the West, it simply doesn’t make sense to sacrifice this project to begin anew.
Both Edwards and Gilgeous-Alexander find themselves in the second round of the playoffs this season. Additionally, both players are part of teams that feature enough firepower and roster strength to get to the NBA Finals.
The recent playoffs have exacerbated the flaws involving Doncic. However, it is important to note that Doncic only played about 28 games with the Lakers in total in the regular season. Given the state of the roster, the 26-year-old still managed to put up 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game.
There is enough of a foundation for the Purple and Gold to build around Doncic. For all reasons and purposes, as stated by Lakers GM Rob Pelinka, they intend to.
The Lakers’ offseason will be driven by the hopes of acquiring very specific player archetypes who can fit a system tailored to Doncic’s style of playing. Although LeBron James’ return will also be a major factor in dictating who the team will be able to sign, the Lakers have every intention of pursuing centers and strengthening their wing defense.
