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Lakers Trade Prospects: Atlanta Hawks’ Tim Hardaway Jr Breakdown

By Eric Yee

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Oct 9, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) and Atlanta Hawks forward Tiago Splitter (11) box out New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) during the third quarter at Veterans Memorial Arena. The Atlanta Hawks won 103-93. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) and Atlanta Hawks forward Tiago Splitter (11) box out New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) during the third quarter at Veterans Memorial Arena. The Atlanta Hawks won 103-93. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

Why It Makes Sense for the Lakers

For the Lakers, this trade makes sense for many reasons:

  1. They get significantly younger, something which will ultimately help them in the long run
  2. Hardaway Jr immediately improves their first line of defense which desperately needs help
  3. 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.

More from Lakers Free Agency

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

Who are some other trade prospects you’d like us to breakdown? Let us know in the comments below!

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