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Los Angeles Lakers: 3 NBA moves that could derail title hopes

By Jason Reed

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 22: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets talks with Andre Drummond #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on January 22, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Brooklyn Nets 125-113. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 22: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets talks with Andre Drummond #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on January 22, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Brooklyn Nets 125-113. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

2. The Denver Nuggets trading for Victor Oladipo

Victor Oladipo is one of the biggest names on the NBA trade market and it should be a foregone conclusion that he is dealt this season. He is in the last year of his contract and the Rockets are about to undergo a fire sale at the deadline.

There are several teams that Oladipo could join and make an impact, including the Los Angeles Lakers. Oladipo in LA would be very interesting but a trade would only happen under certain circumstances.

Oladipo would hurt the Lakers if he joined a team like the Los Angeles Clippers or Utah but he does not really fit on either team and a trade just does not work out. However, one team it does work out with is the Denver Nuggets.

There is the belief that Oladipo could be traded for cheap and the Nuggets could easily work out a deal. A deal that makes sense for both parties is Gary Harris, an unprotected 2021 first-round pick and a future second for Oladipo.

Harris is a good defender but he is a non-factor offensively. Oladipo has a much higher offensive ceiling and can contribute defensively in the same manner that Harris did, if not better.

Oladipo at his best is one of the most underrated players in the league as he is one of the best-two-way players in the league. The Nuggets, especially with Oladipo, are not the kind of team the Los Angeles Lakers should want to come up against in the first or second round of the Playoffs.

Nikola Jokic already gives them matchup issues if they do not add at the center position and getting another perimeter threat that can help guard LeBron James would be huge for the Nuggets. If Jamal Murray gets hot like he did last year in the playoffs, the Nuggets with Oladipo are a serious problem to every team in the West.

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