Trade talks around the NBA are starting to get louder, and of course, some of those rumors involve the Los Angeles Lakers.
With a 12-16 record, they’ve been playing much better since starting 2-10, particularly on the offensive end, and there is a sense among some people, especially within the team, that one or two more pieces would result in a championship contender.
Twitter user Lakers All Day 24/8 suggested a three-way trade that would supply the Lakers with three useful forwards, as well as a guard who could be a solid replacement for Russell Westbrook, who would have to be moved in this scenario to make salaries match.
I need this to happen soon. One protected top 10 pick to each team. Rozier nice in case we lose lonnie, bojan nice forward that can space the floor. PJ and oubre expiring contracts that can be resigned. @JeanieBuss #Lakers lakers trade pic.twitter.com/2a8n3Jkqd1
— Lakers All Day 24/8 (@atlblessed25) December 15, 2022
How this trade would help L.A.
Westbrook has done a dramatic about-face in the space of about six weeks ever since he was moved to the bench. Before that, fans of his own team despised him and swore he was one of the worst players in the NBA. But now, he is infusing the Lakers with pace, energy and dimes.
Terry Rozier could supply some of what Westbrook gives L.A. Rozier is not as good a rebounder or passer, and he isn’t as blazingly quick, but he’s an adept scorer who has historically been more efficient than Westbrook.
Bojan Bogdanovic is the big fish in this mock trade. His ability to hit 3-pointers on a high volume of attempts, especially contested 3-pointers, would greatly improve the Lakers’ halfcourt offense, which is a relative weakness for them.
Kelly Oubre Jr. has a reputation for being an active wing who can defend and, to a certain extent, keep defenses honest from downtown. He’s also an athletic player who could give the Lakers another finisher on their deadly fast break.
P.J. Washington is somewhat undersized for the power forward position at just 6-foot-7, but he weighs 230 pounds and can throw his weight around.
In addition, he and Oubre are in the final year of their respective contracts, which would present L.A. with some salary cap savings next summer.
