The Los Angeles Lakers had made a great splash in the market by completing the signing of LeBron James, but ever since striking out on Paul George and DeMarcus Cousins, it seems like they’re still a bit short on talent to compete against the Golden State Warriors.
LeBron is keen to take this team back to Championship contention following the post-Kobe Bryant era, but over the last couple of years, it’s been pretty clear that he needs a lot of help to try and beat the Golden State Warriors.
Ever since entering the league, James has been unable to single-handedly lead a team to the Championship, even though he’s always been the main responsible for getting them to the Finals in the first place.
But, considering how much the San Antonio Spurs are demanding out of the desperate Los Angeles Lakers in order to get Kawhi Leonard and the fact that the forward is still keen to sign with LA when he enters free agency in 2019, a trade to get him right now seems quite unlikely.
So, if they don’t land Kawhi Leonard right away, who should they pursue? They’re expected to make a huge move anyways, as they’re reportedly developing a plan to surround the King with playmakers to allow him to post up more and play a different style of ball than the one he was used to play for the Cavs.
Today, we’ll let you know about the top 3 blockbuster trades they could complete this summer.
3. Damian Lillard
Trade Package: Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma and Josh Hart
Damian Lillard has been closely linked with a move to the Los Angeles Lakers or the New York Knicks over the course of the last couple of weeks, with the Blazers reportedly ready to break their backcourt up following their dismal performance in the playoffs.
Lillard would be a great fit next to LeBron with his ability to catch and shoot and connect from beyond the arc, while also being a willing passer that has never had that kind of talent next to him, although giving up Kuzma and Ball may be a bummer for the Lakers.
2. John Wall
Trade Package: Lonzo Ball, Ivica Zubac, Josh Hart, Future 1st and 2nd Round Picks
In order to get John Wall, the Lakers would also have to part ways with their so-called point guard of the future, although bringing Wall on board would bring way more space to the court as he’s a better shooter than Lonzo.
With Wall and James driving, the Lakers would still need some shooting in the wings to thrive off the pick and pop, but would already have a proven talent and perennial All-Star that could help this team go the distance in the playoffs.
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Why The Blazers Must Trade Damian Lillard To The Lakers
1. DeMar DeRozan
Trade Package: Kyle Kuzma, Ivica Zubac, Future 1st and 2nd Round Picks
DeMar DeRozan has quietly surged and improved on a yearly basis en route to becoming one of the league’s most prolific scorers, but his lack of character and playoff success have pretty much shown that he’s incapable of leading a team when it matters the most.
Still, being a team’s second scoring option could bring the best out of him even if he’s a ball-dominant kind of player, although spacing would be tough with Lonzo, James and him on the court at the same time. Furthermore, the Lakers would be glad to keep Ball while also landing the California native.
