The Los Angeles Lakers played a masterstroke during last season’s trade deadline, which completely changed their season trajectory. Rob Pelinka made a bold move of overhauling the lineup four weeks before the postseason. But fortune favored the brave as LA transformed into a new force with the new look roster and went on to secure a conference finals berth.
Naturally, the Lakers secure the core of the new look roster, which will represent them in the upcoming 2023-24 NBA season. While LA looks more focused on the future, a potential three-team trade deal could ensure them a championship in the next season itself. However, that would require the purple and gold to make a huge sacrifice.
Lakers Could Create Big Three Force Through Proposed Three-Team Trade Deal!
Los Angeles Lakers are a team not afraid of taking risks for the sake of winning a championship. They failed to win one in the last two seasons and will look to secure the ring this season to give star LeBron James a fitting farewell. But the question is, does the current lineup of youngsters possess the ability to make a run till the championship? Seems unlikely. Hence, LA can make a bold move by indulging in a three-team trade deal. As per the deal, the purple and gold will have to give away D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and a 2029 first-round pick to the Chicago Bulls. In exchange, the Bulls will give away Zach LaVine to the Lakers and DeMar DeRozan to the Clippers.
The two-time NBA all-star is an experienced shooting guard. Zack has the potential to create his own shot and remains one of the finest offensive talents in the league. LaVine, with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, can be a trio to reckon with. Apart from this, the guard also provides better floor spacing. Last season, he averaged 24.8 points per game while shooting 37.5% from deep. Having said that, losing out on young talents like Russell and Reaves might not make much sense to the Lakers. But it’s the price you have to pay for securing a championship. Hence, LA will have to sort out its priorities before indulging in any such kind of trade deal.
NBA Expert Calls For D’Angelo Russell’s Departure Next Season!
Meanwhile, the Lakers, anyway, do not seem to be on good terms with guard D’Angelo Russell. The team’s decision to bench him during last season’s playoff upset the guard, who recently unfollowed the team’s official account on Instagram. Under these circumstances, Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report believes LA should consider trading Russell next season. To those unversed, the guard signed a two-year extension contract with purple and gold this off-season.
That being said, Zach argues that the Lakers’ newest addition, Gabe Vincent, makes a better candidate for the team’s guard role. He recorded a 33.9 shooting percentage in his career and 37.8 percent in the 2023 playoffs. By numbers, Vincent gets the upper hand. Hence, for Zach, there is no point in prolonging Russell’s stay if he provides no value. The trade rumors have again picked up pace for DLo. Will LA pull the plug? Only time will tell.
