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Los Angeles Lakers: 3 trade destinations if JaVale McGee opts-in

By Justin Hickey

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: JaVale McGee #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers attempts a shot against Steven Adams #12 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 05, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: JaVale McGee #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers attempts a shot against Steven Adams #12 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 05, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

If JaVale McGee opts-in, there could be options for the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Los Angeles Lakers have a player option that is looming with quite a few players. JaVale McGee is one of those guys. So it will be interesting to see if he will pick up his option for the 2020-21 season.

With a slated salary at $4.2 million, it seems realistic that he will pick it up. The league is transitioning to smaller ball. With the league pace at an all-time high, not as many teams are looking at bigs.

The Lakers didn’t use McGee at all in the NBA Finals and he didn’t see much court time in the postseason. As the team went to smaller lineups they also started to phase out Dwight Howard. So it raises the question if McGee would be better off with another team?

He provides value and is very athletic, but the Lakers can choose to go on the market in search of someone cheaper. There are guys that can provide more value such as Nerlens Noel and do it on a smaller contract.

The cap numbers are still fluctuating and still to be determined but for a Lakers team that has the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, they want to keep it that way. Howard could also be brought back if the team wants a traditional big still on their roster.

Not every team is looking to go small ball. So we will take a look at three teams the Lakers could approach about a trade if McGee opts in. They could rid his salary, get an asset and create a trade exception in the process.

Lets take a look.

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