Los Angeles Lakers: Ranking the four all-star guard trade targets

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 21: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers looks on during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on February 21, 2020 in New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 21: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers looks on during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on February 21, 2020 in New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

3. Derrick Rose

DeMar DeRozan is regarded by many as a better player than Derrick Rose and I am fine with that. You could make the case for DeRozan being the better player but because of his holes and how much he would cost, both financially and on the trade market, I would much rather have Rose.

Rose is not a great three-point shooter, but he is better than DeRozan. Rose is not a great defender, but he is better than DeRozan. Rose is not as efficient in the pick and role, but he was still in the 70th percentile with a 55% usage rate, which is a higher rate than DeRozan.

Rose is a more natural facilitator and playmaker at the point guard position and better yet, is making $20 million less than DeRozan this season. The Lakers could get Rose and have far more salary-cap space while also having more assets on the roster.

Plus, he fits more naturally as a point guard that can come off the bench. DeRozan needs bigger minutes to be efficient and most of those minutes will come with LeBron naturally, negating what he brings to the team.

Rose slots into that Rajon Rondo point guard role in a seamless manner.