The Los Angeles Lakers have been trying to put themselves in the best possible place to compete within the Western Conference. With the West being so loaded, the 13-12 Lakers have fallen behind in the standings a little bit.
But, armed with its All-Star duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Los Angeles feels good about their chances against any opposing team. However, if the Lakers want to truly compete for a title this season, they will need to likely add more talent to the roster.
The Lakers are expected to be one of the more active teams in the league before the trade deadline as they gauge the market. It will be up to general manager Rob Pelinka to get creative in putting a deal together, considering the limited options that the Lakers have.
In a new blockbuster trade proposal by Fran Leiva of Fadeaway World, the Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers make a massive deal.
Lakers receive: Guard Anfernee Simons, forward Jerami Grant, and center Robert Williams
Blazers receive: Guard D’Angelo Russell, forward Rui Hachimura, guard Jalen Hood-Schifino, forward Jarred Vanderbilt, guard Max Christie, guard Gabe Vincent, a 2026 pick swap, a 2027 second-round pick, and a 2030 second-round pick
This deal would certainly require the Lakers to part ways with a lot of roster members, but they would be getting quite a haul in return. Landing a wing, guard, and center could help round out the team’s roster quite well.
Grant has been a target of the Lakers for some time now. He could give them the 3-and-D wing that the team has been missing. His defensive ability could help elevate this roster, making him the big prize in this deal.
Simons has emerged as a strong scoring guard who could provide Los Angeles with an edge offensively. Lakers head coach JJ Redick could use him either in the starting lineup to replace Russell or as the sixth man off the bench.
As for Williams III, he is the most pressing need of the Lakers. Los Angeles has been thin in the frontcourt and Williams III is exactly the type of player the team could use.
His energy and rebounding would provide a big boost to the Lakers frontcourt. Williams III would take some pressure off Davis, giving Los Angeles some wiggle room up front.
It remains to be seen what the Lakers will end up doing at the trade deadline but this type of deal could change the trajectory of the season.
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