Los Angeles Lakers: The only 3 stars that LA could actually trade for

By Jason Reed | Jul 1, 2021

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 04: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors shouts against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on March 4, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, against downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo against Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. Kemba Walker

Kemba Walker was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder from the Boston Celtics as Boston was looking to free up the money owed to Walker. Kemba simply was not a great fit on the team and there were legitimate concerns about his knees and his ability to hold up.

In the trade, the Celtics sent Walker and the 16th overall pick in exchange for Al Horford, Moses Brown and a second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. The Celtics reunite with Horford and the Thunder pull off another asset flip, getting assets just for taking on Horford and then flipping him for more assets.

The Thunder are going to look to do the same with Walker. Walker could last a season in OKC like Horford and Chris Paul or he could be flipped in the same offseason if the trade is right, like Danny Green was when the Lakers traded him last offseason.

The deal for Walker would likely be Dennis Schroder, Kyle Kuzma and a future protected first. The Lakers should keep the 22nd pick in this year’s draft.

This might not seem like a great package for OKC but Walker does not have that much value and the Thunder would simply look to flip the assets they get for Walker for more assets. Schroder could play well again in his second stint with the Thunder, again increasing his value while Kuzma could do the same or be part of the team’s young core.

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