How the Los Angeles Lakers can trade for JaVale McGee
By Jason Reed
The Los Angeles Lakers need well-documented help at the center position. It has been outlined all season that the Lakers could use the traditional rim-protector/rebounder behind Marc Gasol, who has been good defensively but not very good offensively.
Personally, I have warned of the possibility of Gasol being hurt or getting into foul trouble early in big playoff games against teams with an elite big, such as the Denver Nuggets. We got a taste of that on Tuesday, as Gasol did not play against the Phoenix Suns and the difference was noticeable.
The Lakers did bring in Damian Jones on a 10-day contract and while he has turned some heads in garbage time, his tenure with the Lakers likely won’t last very long.
Several names have been connected to the Lakers for this opening. Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reported that executives of rival NBA teams believe that the Lakers will pursue either Hassan Whiteside or JaVale McGee.
There is a problem with the Los Angeles Lakers bringing JaVale McGee back, though
That problem is not hard feelings from being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers this offseason — that problem is the trade itself. Because the Los Angeles Lakers traded McGee last offseason they are not allowed to reacquire him during the season.
The Cavs cannot trade McGee to the Lakers nor can the Lakers sign McGee if he is bought out. So how can the Lakers be interested in someone who they physically cannot obtain?
There is a loophole around the CBA’s trade rules that prevent the Lakers from reacquiring McGee. Let’s break down how that can happen.