The Los Angeles Lakers have been angling to make some sort of splash at the trade deadline, and it is clear that their main objective was to try and trade for star Kyrie Irving. However, they were unable to acquire the point guard, and perhaps now is the time to pivot to other potential deals as we get closer to the trade deadline.
There have been a number of trade rumors regarding the different options the Los Angeles Lakers can make, and it is clear that the team has been exploring every possible. In this article, we will cover some backup trade options that the Los Angeles Lakers can execute now that Kyrie Irving is off the table.
Plan B
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls Receive: Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Getting another star is likely the optimal option for the Los Angeles Lakers, as that is the best way to ensure that LeBron James and Anthony Davis have a legitimate shot at the NBA championship. Zach LaVine could potentially become available as the Chicago Bulls are a middling team at this moment, and it was previously reported that he wanted to play for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Zach LaVine is a three-level shot-creator that can provide scoring from the perimeter and be a good complementary piece behind the Lakers’ two stars. He has proven that he is a scorer that can play off the ball and be efficient, which is key when playing next to two ball-dominant players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis. LaVine would theoretically get a ton of open looks based on the attention that James and Davis both command, and LaVine would clearly be great from a basketball fit perspective on the Lakers.
The Los Angeles Lakers would give up the expiring contract of Russell Westbrook and the team’s two tradeable first-round picks to get Zach LaVine. In theory, LaVine’s value may have dropped a bit due to his injury concerns and struggles earlier in the season. Thus, two picks that are likely to fall in the lottery as well as a contract that ends after this season, seem like a fair return.
Plan C
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Mike Conley, Jordan Clarkson, Malik Beasley
Utah Jazz Receive: Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
The Utah Jazz and the Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly discussed a trade that would send Mike Conley and Malik Beasley to the team. The deal also reportedly featured some other players. In our trade scenario, the other player that the Lakers would get next to Conley and Beasley is Jordan Clarkson.
Mike Conley is a steady floor general who also has a fair amount of playoff experience. In this scenario. He would be a good addition to the Lakers if he were to come off the bench and be a steadying presence within the backup unit who can be a floor general and space the floor. Malik Beasley profiles as an elite shooter who can provide scoring and shot creation off the bench.
Jordan Clarkson would be the key acquisition for the Los Angeles Lakers here, as he is having a career season with the Utah Jazz right now. Clarkson is currently putting up 21.1 PPG, 3.9 RPG, and 4.2 APG, and he would clearly become the starting point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers in this scenario. He is not a star-level player right now, but in terms of the offense that he provides, he’s pretty close. Adding a tertiary scorer and improving the team’s offense is a priority for the Lakers, and this deal would allow them to do that while also getting some other supplementary pieces.
Though the Los Angeles Lakers wouldn’t be getting a star in this trade scenario, they would be getting a lot of good players that can have a similar impact together to a star-level acquisition. Obviously, the key issue is that Jordan Clarkson could potentially become a free agent at the end of the season, but if the Los Angeles Lakers end up re-signing him, this becomes a fantastic deal for the team.
Plan D
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Kyle Lowry, Duncan Robinson
Miami Heat Receive: Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL)
This potential trade with the Miami Heat would likely not be the first choice for the Los Angeles Lakers since there are other deals out there that would likely help the team have a better chance of winning. This deal is featured as our Plan D, as it is an option the Lakers could do if they want to make a win-now deal while only giving up one of their future picks.
Kyle Lowry should be a better fit for the Los Angeles Lakers than Russell Westbrook and could potentially slot into the starting lineup for the team. He is a steady veteran point guard with championship experience who has already been linked to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Duncan Robinson has fallen out of the Miami Heat’s rotation, but he is an elite shooter when he is at his best. The Lakers taking on his contract is the reason that they only have to give up one first-round pick in this scenario. However, if he pans out for the Los Angeles Lakers, he could be a good option for the team. They desperately need consistent 3PT shooting, and perhaps Duncan Robinson can give them that.
Overall, this is a trade that should be a backup option for the Los Angeles Lakers if other options fall through. Though they would get some solid players, there are simply better moves to make if the team is willing to give up both first-round picks to help LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
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