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Lakers: 3 Potential Landing Spots for Lou Williams

By Christian Rivas

Jan 22, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Louis Williams (23) warms up before the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Louis Williams (23) warms up before the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Wizards

Dec 12, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Washington Wizards forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (12) dunks the ball during the second half against Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 112-101. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Washington Wizards forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (12) dunks the ball during the second half against Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 112-101. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

While history tells us that betting against LeBron James probably isn’t the best idea, the Washington Wizards have a real chance of robbing NBA fans of the Finals rematch they want to see. In order to do that, however, the Wizards need something that resembles a capable NBA bench. Right now, they do not have that.

The Wizards’ bench produces the second-fewest points per game (23.6), only worse than Tom “let’s play the starters 40 minutes a game” Thibodeau and the Minnesota Timberwolves. If it weren’t for Washington’s starters, who are second in the league in points per game, the Wizards would be at best a playoff bubble team.

No one on the Wizards’ bench puts up more than 10 points per game. Not one player. Lucky for them, all they need is one player. Washington’s starters are so good that one solid bench contributor would be enough for them to make it to The Finals comfortably. Lou Williams could be that guy for the Wizards.

In this trade, the Lakers would send Lou Williams, Jose Calderon and Denver’s 2018 second round pick for Trey Burke, Kelly Oubre Jr., Andrew Nicholson and Washington’s 2017 first round pick.

The Wizards would add two productive veterans to a bench that desperately needs some direction, while the Lakers would get a bag full of question marks.

Oubre and Burke, both former lottery picks with a combined four years of NBA experience, offer the Lakers nothing but potential. This move wouldn’t make the team any better this year, and there’s no guarantee Oubre or Burke live up to their draft hype, but the potential reward far outweighs the risk.Nicholson’s contract, still worth $18 million over the next three years, will be a tough pill to swallow, but the Wizards’ first round pick would be sufficient

Nicholson’s contract, still worth $18 million over the next three years, will be a tough pill for the Lakers to swallow, but the Wizards’ first round pick should be sufficient compensation. With the Wizards’ current record (33-21), will land somewhere in the late twenties. If the Lakers luck out and keep their own pick, they will have two picks in what is regarded as an extremely deep draft to either add more young talent or use in a blockbuster trade over the summer.

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