Lakers: Trading young assets for Paul George not the answer
There have been rumors that Los Angeles Lakers management is looking to trade for Paul George this summer, even if it means trading young assets.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been in need of star power ever since Kobe Bryant decided to hang up his sneakers. It’s well known that the organization has flopped in recent years when it comes to big name acquisitions. This includes in free agency and potential trades.
The most recent flop came this season when the team had a chance to land All-Star big man DeMarcus Cousins.
That would end up being the final “mistake” that led to former general manager Mitch Kupchak being relieved of his duties. Magic Johnson and the new regime are not going to be passive when it comes to pursuing big names.
Reports have surfaced that Magic and new general mannager Rob Pelinka don’t see any of the young assets as untouchable in trades.
Magic has also made it obvious that he wants Paul George in a Laker uniform. Connecting these dots makes it fairly clear that Magic is going to make a trade push this summer, but that’s not the smartest choice for the organization going forward.
George and his agent have made it clear that George wants to be in Los Angeles. Although he still has a year on his contract with the Pacers, Indiana will most likely be looking to move him before next year’s trade deadline so they don’t lose him for nothing.
To give up key pieces to the team’s future like D’Angelo Russell, Brandon Ingram or Julius Randle for someone who they could get in a year’s time is a risk that’s not worth taking.
Those three players should be considered untouchables because they’ve been improving steadily and they could all be potential All-Stars. Russell’s per-36 stats are some of the best we’ve seen since LeBron James early in his career.
Randle’s efficiency improved big time this year, upping his field goal percentage from 42.9 percent to 48.8 percent. Ingram was also able to make huge strides in the second half of the season. He improved in almost all statistical categories and delivered a few posters along the way.
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With those three players on the roster, the future remains bright and the ceiling is still high. Trade them away and suddenly the only way to improve is through free agency and trades.
In George, the Lakers would be receiving a surefire All Star, sure, but one that couldn’t get his team out of the first round in a weak Eastern Conference. George is in his prime and most likely isn’t going to get much better.
On the other hand, the potential of the young core could lead the Laker organization back to the top.
The goal of this organization is to win championships, not just make the playoffs. With George on the team and none of the younger players around him, the Lakers would struggle to make the playoffs with no hope of developing anyone.
George showed this year that he can take a team to the playoffs, but without help he won’t be able to make a championship run anytime soon.
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Do you think the Lakers should trade their young players for a proven All-Star in Paul George? If George was in a Lakers uniform how far do you think the team would get if they made the playoffs? Let us know in the comments section!