To start off, we’ll cash in on the Lakers best point guard this season. Despite his talent, he has failed to mesh with Kobe Bryant, which ultimately led to his removal from the starting lineup. However, in his role off the bench, he has excelled and further proved why he’s a capable player.
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However, his future doesn’t appear to be in LA. The Lakers would be wise to look to move him near the deadline as a play-making, scoring point guard is always in demand. The problem lies in his enormous contract, which is hard to find suitors for. While it is an expiring deal, the Lakers also won’t want to take on any deals past this summer to maintain flexibility.
With the Indiana Pacers, you have a team struggling to find offense without Paul George. Lin could fit in as a one-year rental (half a year, technically) to help supplant George’s production. He could play alongside George Hill in the starting lineup, even, or maintain his role off the bench, but either way could help get the Pacers back into the playoffs.
For L.A., the players coming back are of little importance other than to make the trade work financially. Luis Scola would slot into the already overcrowded Lakers front court, but Chris Copeland could very well start over the often abominable Wesley Johnson. Most importantly for them in this deal, they land Indiana’s 2nd round pick in the draft.