2 former Los Angeles Lakers that Rob Pelinka could try and trade for
By Jason Reed
1. Larry Nance Jr.
Larry Nance Jr. has not played in nearly a month as he is dealing with a knee injury. However, MRIs on Nance’s knee shows no significant damage so he should return at some point in the regular-season ready to make a push towards the NBA Playoffs.
The Blazers are in a bit of a mini rebuild at the moment. The team has struggled this season and it does not appear that Damian Lillard will return. Even if he does, he was not playing great before suffering an abdominal injury and the Blazers are likely not going to make any sort of run.
This could be a team that completely blows it up in the offseason and trades away Lillard. There could be a precursor to that at the deadline and we could see someone like Larry Nance Jr. on the move.
The Lakers would be getting a year and a half of Nance and because of the injury his value is not as much as it would be otherwise. Plus, he has struggled this season for the Blazers and that has lowered his trade value.
Quite frankly, a package of Kendrick Nunn (another injured player), two expiring contracts and a second-round pick would probably be enough for Nance. The Blazers would save some money next season, get a draft pick and get the higher ceiling of Nunn with the hope of him playing well and flipping him for more assets.
Nance is not a perfect fit on this Lakers team but he can slot into the Kyle Kuzma role that the team is currently lacking. He has shown the potential to be an average three-point shooter and he is athletic enough to play good defense on the perimeter.
He certainly would be a better option than Trevor Ariza.