Fact or fiction on 2 “dream” trade targets for the Los Angeles Lakers

1. Julius Randle

The former Lakers lottery pick always had potential and we really started to see that potential shine in his last season in LA. Randle turned that solid season into a new deal with the New Orleans Pelicans and he continued to play at an elevated level from where he played in Los Angeles.

However, Randle was still just a really good rotational player and hadn’t taken that step up to an all-star level. Then he joined the New York Knicks and piloted an unexpected playoff run in the 2020-21 season, turning into an all-star caliber player.

Randle got paid like an all-star and instantly took a step down this last season. He is still a solid player but you cannot blame the Knicks for potentially looking at his multi-year contract and wanting to get off of it.

There are two components to this trade that would decide if it happens: first, can the Knicks swallow their pride and make the move that is better for the long-term and second, will the Lakers get desperate enough to move Westbrook that they attach one, or potentially two, first-round picks (second being a pick swap)?

For New York, it makes much more sense to package Randle and someone like Derrick Rose for Westbrook and a pick or two. They get financial relief AND picks in the future. The team is going to have the exact same ceiling next season with Randle or with Westbrook. They are not trading away a contender or anything.

However, egos get in the way and New York may refuse to punt on this core group because of the one first-round playoff exit they had together. The trade makes sense for both parties but it is up to the Knicks to realize that.

Verdict: Fact