Los Angeles Lakers: Breaking down a potential trade for P.J. Tucker

Why the Los Angeles Lakers would do this trade for P.J. Tucker:

First of all, the Los Angeles Lakers are not giving up anything that negatively impacts the team this season. Markieff Morris is the only player in the trade that currently has a role in the rotation and he has been really bad this season. I am a big Morris guy, but the team can definitely improve from him.

And they would get that improvement in Tucker. Tucker would essentially take Morris’ minutes and while his output has been down in Houston, he likely would be a better option for the Lakers. Tucker is a slightly above-average defensive player while Morris has been a negative on the defensive end.

That alone is worth it for the Los Angeles Lakers, especially with Anthony Davis out. Tucker may not be a big that can guard traditional centers, but he is someone who is physical enough to bang down low with smaller bench centers.

Wing defense is extremely important in the NBA Playoffs. Tucker might not make a massive impact on the team in the regular season but his minutes in the playoffs could be huge.

I also like this trade as it essentially opens up two more spots on the roster for the Los Angeles Lakers to sign bought-out players. If Boogie Cousins winds up getting bought out the Lakers would have a roster spot for him, and if not him, it could be someone such as Robin Lopez or even Blake Griffin.

Could another team come in and give Houston a better offer for Tucker? Absolutely, but I think this is a good deal for both sides.