The Los Angeles Lakers are in an interesting position right now in the offseason. There is a massive looming trade that is hanging over the franchise but there are also different directions the team could take if that trade does not go through.
One thing is certain: regardless of the direction that the front office goes, the Lakers are better next season without Russell Westbrook on the roster. Nothing from last season indicates that it will work this season for the team.
The Lakers will not reinvent the team with the remaining free agents on the market, so making a trade is of huge importance. Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, who is plugged into the league with sources, recently put together three potential trade packages for Rob Pelinka and co. to consider making this offseason.
And as we often do here at Lake Show Life, we are here to break down those proposed trades in a game of pass or pursue.
Trade 1: The Los Angeles Lakers finally land Kyrie Irving
There is an outside chance that this offer has been on the table for the Los Angeles Lakers and they have said no to it. At the end of the day, if the Lakers can get this deal done without having to send an additional first-round pick then this is the route to take.
The only potential hesitations on the Lakers’ part is the fact that they are taking back Joe Harris in the trade. In doing so, the Lakers are actually taking on more money and as a tax-paying team, that has a huge impact on how much money they are actually paying for next year’s team.
That being said, this is the second most valuable franchise in the league and while it is family-owned, there are no excuses to pinch pennies. The Lakers either want to win championships or they don’t and if they scoff at this trade because of a bigger tax bill then the bottom line is obviously more important than championships.
It would be one thing if this was the Memphis Grizzlies. It is the Los Angeles Lakers!
Joe Harris is a fantastic fit on this team when he is healthy as he is arguably the best off-ball three-point shooter in the entire league. With only one pick attached, this is an absolute no-brainer.
Verdict: Pursue