Newsletter
Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Reading: NBA Insider Reveals Lakers Would Have Traded For Shai Gilgeous-Alexander If The Thunder Were Tanking
Fadeaway WorldFadeaway World
Search
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Follow US
Home > NBA Trade Rumors > Los Angeles Lakers Trade Rumors > NBA Insider Reveals Lakers Would Have Traded For Shai Gilgeous-Alexander If The Thunder Were Tanking

NBA Insider Reveals Lakers Would Have Traded For Shai Gilgeous-Alexander If The Thunder Were Tanking

The Los Angeles Lakers were hoping to trade for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander if the Thunder decided to tank.

Ishaan Bhattacharya
Dec 7, 2022
3 Min Read
Share

Credit: Fadeaway World

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is coming out as one of the best guards in the NBA this season. While everyone knew that Shai possessed incredible talent, it was hidden behind the tanking OKC Thunder. This season, Shai has emerged as a bonafide star that could lead the Thunder to a championship whenever they went all-in.

It wasn’t long ago that Shai was expected to be traded due to frustrations with tanking. While most imagined the New York Knicks to make a move for the guard, it has been revealed that the Los Angeles Lakers were keeping tabs on the former Clipper and would try and trade for him if the opportunity arose, according to Sam Amick.

“My mind goes to, even if it’s unlikely at this point, the star player trade,” Amick said on a recent podcast (h/t SB Nation). “… Months ago there was this kind of ‘pie in the sky’ sense from the Lakers of ‘Well, if Oklahoma City completely tanks, let’s go get Shai.’ Like, I heard Shai’s name coming out of that Lakers camp. But it’s just a dream.” (h/t Silver Screen And Roll)

Even if the Thunder decided to tank, it doesn’t seem like the 2 Laker picks would be enough given teams like the Knicks would have given up more to ensure Shai can be the star on the team after missing out on Donovan Mitchell.


Who Are The Realistic Trade Targets For The Lakers?

The Lakers and their fans need to be hit with a dose of reality when it comes to the value of their picks and Russell Westbrook. Most teams in the NBA would have comfortably beaten their offer by offering more picks and more promising young players to the Thunder. 

The Lakers need to look below the All-Star tier, as they are more likely to benefit with the addition of depth instead of a tertiary star behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Giving up depth for Russell Westbrook is the reason they’re in this mess right now. Options like Buddy Hield, Myles Turner, Eric Gordon, and Bojan Bogdanovic, among others, are targets that the Lakers could feasibly acquire to change the fortunes of the season. 

We sincerely appreciate and respect you as a reader of our site. It would help us a lot if you follow us on Google News because of the latest update.

Thanks for following us. We really appreciate your support.

Follow on Google News

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.

TAGGED:Los Angeles Lakers ArchiveShai Gilgeous-Alexander
Share This Article
Facebook Email Copy Link Print
ByIshaan Bhattacharya
Follow:
Ishaan Bhattacharya is a content manager for Fadeaway World from New Delhi, India. With his expertise in NBA content creation, Ishaan brings a wealth of experience to his role, contributing to the site's authority and reach within the basketball community. Over the last year, Ishaan has interviewed Ray Allen and Mark Tatum, while also covering the 2023 NBA Abu Dhabi Games which saw the Dallas Mavericks take on the Minnesota Timberwolves.Since joining Fadeaway World in March 2022, Ishaan Bhattacharya has become known for his unique perspective on the NBA. He consistently delivers this insight through his daily news coverage and detailed opinion pieces on the most significant topics in the league.Before his tenure at Fadeaway World, Ishaan worked in corporate communications, where he serviced prominent sports brands, including NBA India, Sports18, Amazon Prime Sports, and Royal Challengers Bangalore. This experience in strategic communications for leading sports entities has enhanced his ability to craft impactful narratives and connect with a global audience.A true MFFLer (Mavs Fan for Life, for the uninitiated), Ishaan is a massive fan of the Dallas Mavericks. When he is not upset about Jalen Brunson walking in free agency, you can see Ishaan as an avid gamer and content creator. His passion for basketball extends beyond the Mavericks, as evidenced by his thoughtfully curated NBA Mount Rushmore, featuring LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Bill Russell—each representing distinct eras and bringing their unique qualities to the game.Featured On: ESPN, Sports Illustrated, Bleacher Report, Yahoo Sports, NBA, Fox Sports, The Spun
Previous Article 2022-23 NBA MVP Race: Jayson Tatum Takes First Place, Anthony Davis Is Finally In The Top 5
Next Article NBA Fans Pick Who Is The Most Disrespected Player In The League
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Newsletter

Stay up to date with our newsletter on the latest news, trends, ranking lists, and evergreen articles

Newsletter
Facebook X-twitter Instagram

You Might Also Like

Luka Doncic
Los Angeles Lakers News & Analysis

Austin Reaves Recalls Luka Doncic’s First Game Back In Dallas After Blockbuster Trade

October 3, 2025
Golden State Warriors Trade Rumors

Warriors Target Bam Adebayo As A Long Term Solution For Center Position

October 3, 2025
Feb 5, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) looks on during the third quarter against the Orlando Magic at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
Brooklyn Nets Trade Rumors

NBA Trade Idea: Kings Land Nets Center To Provide Domantas Sabonis With Support In Frontcourt

October 3, 2025
Houston Rockets Trade Rumors

Russell Westbrook Likes Rockets IG Photo With Kevin Durant, Steven Adams; Big Reunion Upcoming?

October 3, 2025

NBA - Fadeaway World

  • Atlanta Hawks
  • Boston Celtics
  • Brooklyn Nets
  • Charlotte Hornets
  • Chicago Bulls
  • Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Dallas Mavericks
  • Denver Nuggets
  • Detroit Pistons
  • Golden State Warriors
  • Houston Rockets
  • Indiana Pacers
  • Los Angeles Clippers
  • Los Angeles Lakers
  • Memphis Grizzlies
  • Miami Heat
  • Milwaukee Bucks
  • Minnesota Timberwolves
  • New Orleans Pelicans
  • New York Knicks
  • Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Orlando Magic
  • Philadelphia 76ers
  • Phoenix Suns
  • Portland Trail Blazers
  • Sacramento Kings
  • San Antonio Spurs
  • Toronto Raptors
  • Utah Jazz
  • Washington Wizards

Pages

  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA Media
  • Exclusive NBA Interviews
  • NBA 2K News & Updates

© 2025 Fadeaway World @ All Rights Reserved

  • About Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World Authors
  • Editorial Team
  • Ethics Policy
  • Corrections Policy
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Fact-Checking Policy
  • Contact Us
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?