1. Marc Gasol for KCP + Lance (or Rondo) + Beasley + 1st Round Pick
Acquiring Marc Gasol is largely dependent on how the Grizzlies season goes. Should the Grizzlies fall out of playoff contention, they will probably be looking to develop Jaren Jackson Jr. in lieu of playing Gasol. We’ve seen in the past how frustrated Gasol can get if his team isn’t winning, and this year could be the breaking point for the Spanish big man.
Marc Gasol would be the perfect compliment to this Lakers team. He adds size, rebounding, passing, and an ability to space the floor. A big man tandem of LeBron at the 4 and Gasol at the 5 would be a nightmare for teams to guard, and a nightmare for them to score on.
With a team full of young bucks, LeBron would probably love the chance to play with a savvy veteran such as Gasol, whose made multiple Western Conference Finals in his own right.
Should the Grizzlies be looking to move on from Gasol, the Lakers can offer up a package of KCP, Lance, Beasley and a first-round pick with light protections. Rajon Rondo can also be swapped in should the Grizzlies want some insurance for Mike Conley.
The only hiccup in this potential trade is the fact that Gasol has a player-option for the 2019-2020 season for about $25M. Should he opt-in, it will cause the Lakers to lose the ability to add a max-level free agent.
However, if the Lakers and Gasol can come to a sort of *wink-wink* deal with Gasol to opt-out of his current contract and re-sign at a lesser rate but for more years using his bird rights, then the Lakers can retain Gasol and acquire their highly coveted max free-agent, whoever that may be.