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The perfect blockbuster trade to help the Lakers, 76ers, Celtics and Pacers

By Jason Reed

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 31: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates during the first quarter against the Washington Wizards during Game Four of the Eastern Conference first round series at Capital One Arena on May 31, 2021 in Washington, DC. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 31: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates during the first quarter against the Washington Wizards during Game Four of the Eastern Conference first round series at Capital One Arena on May 31, 2021 in Washington, DC. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers rumors
(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers rumors /

Why the Los Angeles Lakers should say yes:

Return: Tobias Harris, Al Horford

This is actually the easiest team to explain why they would say yes. The reasoning is pretty simple: the Los Angeles Lakers want to get off of Russell Westbrook and they do so in a genius way here. The Lakers would get off of Westbrook and acquire two players who could actually help the team this season (as well as give them more financial freedom).

We will explain why both Al Horford and Tobias Harris would be traded from their respective teams when we get there. When we just think about those two in terms of the Lakers, it is clear that they would be excellent fits alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Harris gives the team a stretch shooter that can create his own shot while also playing off-ball. Harris can essentially be a better version of Kyle Kuzma as a slashing/shooting forward with LeBron and Anthony Davis in the frontcourt. There are some defensive questions, sure, but he is much better than Russell Westbrook defensively. The Lakers can run a deadly closing lineup of Malik Monk, Talen Horton-Tucker, Harris, LeBron and Anthony Davis.

MUST-READ: Why the Russell Westbrook trade is the worst in Lakers history

Horford, meanwhile, is the perfect stretch five that the Lakers can play off of the bench. Horford, while overpriced, has played much better the last two seasons and he can still provide a quality 25 minutes a game off the bench. He can play with both LeBron and AD because of his floor-spacing ability.

The team gets some financial freedom as well. While the two players combined make more than Westbrook, Horford’s salary next season is not fully guaranteed. Only $14.5 is guaranteed next season. That makes it much easier for the Lakers to either pivot and trade him or outright cut him to save money to make other moves next season.

With Westbrook, there is no versatility.

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