The Los Angeles Lakers are in a better position now than they have been for the past decade. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis at the helm, the franchise is headed down a path it hasn’t seen for ages — assuming the Lakers are able to keep both in town.
But just because the window of opportunity is finally open for L.A., it doesn’t mean it will last very long.
Anthony Davis is a free-agent this summer, meaning there’s no promise he will return to the team past this season. Perhaps even worse, for L.A., is the age of LeBron James, which only grows more as the days and weeks fly by.
Needless to say, now is the time for the Lakers to act and if they don’t make a move to go all-in on their chances now, they could come to regret it later.
Consider this: the Lakers trade Kuzma, Danny Green, Alex Caruso, and a first-round pick for Indiana star Victor Oladipo.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MA-rctioAlE
The 2x All-Star is coming off a significant injury, but he seems like an ideal fit next to James and Davis. As a “tier-B” player, Vic shouldn’t have a problem being a backup star in Los Angeles. His shooting, passing, and shot-creating abilities would help ease the offensive burden of his teammates sand his young, athletic legs may provide them a boost on the defensive end as well.
In 13 games during the 2019-20 season, he averaged 13.8 points, 3 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game.
In exchange, Indiana would acquire a 3-and-D guard in Green, a backup point in Caruso, and the chance to develop young talent in Kyle Kuzma and the first-rounder.
It’s an exchange with benefits to both sides and it will be interesting to see how things progress in the weeks and months to come.
