Lake Show Life
Fansided

Los Angeles Lakers: Breaking down a potential trade for Nemanja Bjelica

By Jason Reed

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 10: Nemanja Bjelica #88 of the Sacramento Kings sets for a three-point shot during the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on February 10, 2020 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 10: Nemanja Bjelica #88 of the Sacramento Kings sets for a three-point shot during the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on February 10, 2020 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Why the Los Angeles Lakers would say yes to this Nemanja Bjelica trade:

On the surface, Lakers fans might feel like this is too much as they are giving up three players for one player from the Sacramento Kings. Isn’t that funny how it works, though? There are fans of both sides that would not like this package for various reasons.

The Lakers really are not losing that much, though. Neither Dudley or McKinnie have a consistent spot in the rotation and when the NBA Playoffs roll around they are not going to play at all. Sure, they lose some locker room presence, but that has not stopped the team from making moves before.

The one contributor that the team would lose is Markieff Morris. Some may be skeptical of this after Morris had a solid game against the Golden State Warriors but let’s not distract that from the fact that he has been pretty bad this season.

Bjelica has also not played up to his potential this season but he has still been better than Morris. Not only has his floor been higher this season, but his ceiling is much higher than Morris and he has been far more consistent throughout his career.

I broke down some crazy numbers surrounding Bjelica in yesterday’s article but it is clear that he is a better and more consistent option that would slide into Morris’ role perfectly.

Next. Why Damian Jones won't last long in LA. dark

And if all goes as planned, Bjelica is someone who the Los Angeles Lakers could keep around after the 2020-21 season for relatively cheap.

Home/Lakers News