NBA Insider Proposes Blockbuster Trade to Bring All-Star, 2 Former Lakers to LA
Entering the new NBA season, your Los Angeles Lakers were expected to get off to a good start considering all of the continuity on their roster. But the exact opposite has occurred so far.
To be fair, the team has been dealing with a bunch of injuries to start the season. But that hasn't stopped people from looking at different ways for the Lakers to improve their roster.
NBA pundit Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report put together a few trades that the Lakers could look at to improve themselves, and he has linked them with some familiar names that currently play in Chicago.
“The Trade: DeMar DeRozan, Alex Caruso and Andre Drummond for D'Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura and Jalen Hood-Schifino.”
The Lakers have long been linked to DeRozan, and this could be the time to pull the trigger on landing him. He is on an expiring contract, so if things don’t work out, they can cut bait at the end of the season.
“DeRozan would give the Lakers another end-game scorer, but he's never been known for his outside shot and his best days as a defender are behind him. Potential fit aside, his age may make him gettable for L.A.”
But he would be able to provide them with a third-star level of player, and his midrange game is still extremely efficient. He also gives them another true scorer, and it would help their offense grow exponentially.
In this proposed deal, LA would be reunited with guard Alex Caruso, and there have been reports lately that the team is interested in bringing him back. He would bring his defense-first mindset to the table and give them a strong presence atop the perimeter on defense.
For the Bulls, this deal allows them to get something in return for two players that aren’t likely in their long-term plans. It also gives them a nice upcoming point guard in Hood-Schifino to use in their future plans.
“The Bulls didn't extend Patrick Williams this offseason and have a need that Hachimura may be able to fill. Russell is the necessary salary and a scorer to help replace what's lost with DeRozan. Hood-Schifino (No. 17) is a prospect on a cost-controlled rookie-scale contract.”
Drummond would be a bonus throw-in for LA, and the team could use the extra size. They could always look to move him in a separate deal as well.
All in all, this trade makes the Lakers more of a threat to win the NBA title, and the front office should really consider this if it’s on the table. Fans would be on board with this move as well, so it could be a win-win for everyone.
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