Why It Makes Sense for the Lakers
For the Lakers, this trade makes sense for many reasons:
- They get significantly younger, something which will ultimately help them in the long run
- Hardaway Jr immediately improves their first line of defense which desperately needs help
- The trade will free up more playing time for Jordan Clarkson and more so, D’Angelo Russell who needs all the run time he can get
The Lakers top priority at February’s trade deadline should be to acquire draft picks but the next best thing is picking up a young up and comer who can run alongside the young Lakers and Hardway Jr fits the mold perfectly.
The Lakers current back up point guard is Marcelo Huertas, who is almost assuredly gone after this season. That said, sliding Hardaway into the mix makes it possible for either Clarkson or Russell to be on the floor at all times as the primary ball handler, something which should have been incorporated as a staple for the Lakers since the beginning of this season.
To make the salaries work, the Lakers would also have to take back a bad contract, and the most likely candidate would be former Spur, Tiago Splitter. Considering the Lakers recent decision to shop Roy Hibbert, alongside their prolonged struggles at center, a veteran like Splitter wouldn’t be the worst option.
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Further, the Lakers would also be wise to try and also get a second round pick back in return, as any pick will help their rebuild, especially when you have a track record like the Lakers in terms of second round steals.
For the Lakers, the most ideal option would be packaging Brandon Bass and Lou Williams, essentially killing two birds with one stone.
While unlikely, the pair have been playing well as of late and the Hawks did trade a first round pick for a player who just sits on the bench so anything is possible.
Next: Scott Continues His Nonsensical Criticism of Young Lakers
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