The Los Angeles Lakers are coming off an impressive 123-120 win over the Toronto Raptors. With Thursday night’s victory, the Lakers have improved to 16-5 on the season, effectively preventing a losing streak from developing.
Although the win was impressive, featuring a noteworthy performance by Austin Reaves in the absence of Luka Doncic, there were some lingering concerns.
After a strong showing in the first half, the Lakers appeared to find themselves in a vulnerable position as they entered the second. While this could be attributed to the Raptors’ proficiency in the third quarter, it would also highlight L.A.’s defensive inconsistencies.
After giving up 40 points in the third quarter, the Purple and Gold backed themselves into a corner. While it would be understandable if this were an outlier, Los Angeles has repeatedly been culpable of erring on defense in the later stages of the game.
Considering the team’s title aspirations, a defensive rating of 115.8 (19th in the NBA) isn’t going to cut it. With this in mind, we explore a three-team trade that would effectively answer all the Lakers’ defensive problems in one decisive move.
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Matisse Thybulle, Robert Williams III
Miami Heat Receive: Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, Dalton Knecht, 2031 first-round pick
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, 2032 second-round pick
Why Do The Heat Do This Deal?
The Miami Heat have been quite hesitant to make deals with the Los Angeles Lakers. However, considering what they are receiving in this scenario, Miami could be mildly intrigued.
Along with a first-round pick, the Heat would be acquiring Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, and Dalton Knecht.
Hachimura may not appear to be an upgrade on Andrew Wiggins. But considering his recent performances, his defensive versatility, and his efficiency as a three-point shooter, the Heat may find several ways to make use of a player like him. With averages of 13.9 points and 3.6 rebounds per game on 53.8% shooting from the field and 46.8% from beyond the arc this season, he could prove useful.
Dalton Knecht has been viewed as a negative trade asset. His averages of 6.6 points on 47.9% shooting from the field and 36.4% from three-point range this season leave room for improvement. However, the Heat may see intrigue in acquiring him.
Although he has struggled to establish himself as a key rotation piece in Los Angeles, the Heat could benefit from adding another sharpshooter. As a young player with scoring upside, joining the Heat could also be an ideal outcome for the 24-year-old to develop into a reliable rotation player.
Acquiring Kleber may also be of some intrigue to the Heat. While his averages of 2.0 points and 1.9 rebounds don’t inspire much, he has positioned himself as a high-IQ player with veteran experience. Given that the Heat also feature a shorthanded big man rotation, adding a veteran such as Kleber could help them round out their roster depth.
How Do The Blazers Benefit From This?
The Portland Trail Blazers may see merit in making this trade, as it enables them to offload Matisse Thybulle and Robert Williams III, both of whom have struggled with injuries in the past. In return, acquiring Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, and a second-round pick may be viewed as an upgrade.
Although Vanderbilt has been on the verge of falling out of the Lakers’ rotation, the forward remains a competent defensive and rebounding presence. By utilizing his length and athleticism, Vanderbilt positions himself as a versatile defender, averaging 4.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game this season.
Meanwhile, Vincent could have a lot of value as a point guard off the bench. While being a strong point-of-attack defender, he has also proven himself as a reliable perimeter threat. With averages of 4.0 points and 1.9 rebounds per game on 34.4% shooting from three-point range this year, he could help boost Portland’s backcourt.
How Does The Lakers’ Defense Improve?
Acquiring the trio of Andrew Wiggins, Matisse Thybulle, and Robert Williams III is a significant upgrade to the Lakers’ defensive rotation. Given how capable Wiggins and Thybulle are on the wings and how effective Williams is as a rim protector, L.A. could even become a top 5 defensive team in the league.
The Lakers have been closely linked with Wiggins since the offseason. Considering the recent resurgence of interest, Los Angeles would greatly benefit from acquiring him.
Wiggins has been very dependable for the Miami Heat this season. Given this season’s averages of 17.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game, he would be the ideal addition to the team’s starting lineup alongside Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James.
Meanwhile, Thybulle positions himself as a reliable option off the bench. Having suffered a UCL injury in October, there may be some concerns regarding his availability. Nevertheless, the Purple and Gold could still have use for him in the second unit.
Thybulle’s contributions on offense are difficult to gauge, as his averages of 5.0 points on 60.0% shooting from the field and 66.7% from beyond the arc seem inflated. But considering his averages of 1.5 steals and 0.8 blocks over the course of his career, he could emerge as an elite wing defender on the Lakers.
While the additions of Wiggins and Thybulle address the team’s defensive needs around the perimeter, Williams’ addition helps solve the Lakers’ rim protection problems.
When healthy, Robert Williams III is an elite rim-protecting big man. Boasting a strong blend of athletic ability and defensive instincts, his averages of 5.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game indicate that he could be a valuable addition to L.A.’s big man rotation.
The Lakers’ Current Strategy Isn’t Sustainable
Despite their poor defensive efforts, the Lakers are still managing to secure wins. This success can be attributed to the brilliant performances of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
While the displays have been awe-inspiring and mesmerizing, it is clear that such a formula for attaining success isn’t sustainable. With the need for greater production from the bench and defensive discipline, the Purple and Gold would be advised to make a move sooner rather than later to bolster their chances of contending.
