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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 Alex Menendez/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

3. The Phoenix Suns trading for Nikola Vucevic

This is the least likely of the three moves and we have not heard any direct chatter about the Orlando Magic and Phoenix Suns being connected. However, the groundwork for a potential trade is there and it would be a solid deal for both sides.

Vucevic has been floated around the NBA trade market and he would be a massive addition to any team. The all-star center is averaging 24.6 points, 11.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists and has 48.3/40.8/85.4 shooting splits this season.

The price for Vucevic would have to be quite high and the Suns have the youth to offer. Phoenix is far better than anyone could have expected this season with Chris Paul, yet again, showing the impact he has on a team.

Perhaps the management in Phoenix could see the flaws in the Lakers this season and realizes that the Western Conference is wide open and if they make the right move they very well could make a run all the way at the NBA Finals.

That is why a move for Vucevic makes sense for Phoenix. So what is a trade package that could conceivably land Vucevic?

DeAndre Ayton, Dario Saric, Jalen Smith, unprotected 2021 first-round pick, 2023 top-10 protected first and a 2025 first-round pick swap.

It is a lot, but as we have seen, NBA teams are willing to send draft picks. Orlando would get a young center in return in Ayton, the 10th pick from the 2020 NBA Draft in Jalen Smith and three first-round picks for a year and a half of Vucevic.

This would cause problems for the Los Angeles Lakers as the Phoenix Suns would be getting even better at the center position and would have three all-star-caliber players in the starting five in Paul, Vucevic and Devin Booker.

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The Phoenix Suns would join the Brooklyn Nets as the only team to have three players who are in the top 20 in the league.

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