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Lakers rumors: 3 potential trade packages for Lonzo Ball

By Jason Reed

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 26: Lonzo Ball #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives with the ball against the Boston Celtics during a game at the Smoothie King Center on January 26, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 26: Lonzo Ball #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives with the ball against the Boston Celtics during a game at the Smoothie King Center on January 26, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers rumors
(Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers rumors /

2. The Lakers rumors from the deadline are wiped away with a Talen Horton-Tucker trade

The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly did not trade for Kyle Lowry at the NBA trade deadline as they did not want to include Talen Horton-Tucker in the trade package. THT is now a restricted free agent and perhaps the Lakers will re-evaluate and change their position on trading him.

This is a much better trade package for New Orleans as it gives them two more young players for the price of one from the Lakers.

Most fans would probably say no to this trade as THT is really valued as a future commodity. While I also love THT’s ceiling, there is definitely the groundwork for THT to be traded this offseason to benefit the Lakers.

Kyle Kuzma is making $13 million this season and in this package, we would assume that THT is making $7-10 million, as that puts Lonzo Ball’s salary right around $20-25 million. Since THT is a restricted free agent, he could be offered a similar contract from another team.

The potential for a poison-pill offer is there and if so the Lakers may lose THT in free agency anyway. If that is on the Lakers’ radar then it absolutely makes more sense to flip in for something than let him walk for nothing.

New Orleans gets two young assets in this deal for the price of one asset that did not fit well with their two young stars. They also move up into the first round, although LA should get a pick back in this deal in the second round to help fill out the roster.

With the Lakers’ eye for talent, I am not worried about the drop from 22 to 35.

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