3. Lakers swap Anthony Davis for Damian Lillard
As it stands right now, it looks very unlikely that the Portland Trail Blazers would trade Damian Lillard. Lillard has been the face of the franchise and the Blazers have actually started off the season on a very strong note.
However, there absolutely is a future in which the Blazers start to regress and things get dicey with Lillard. The All-NBA guard flirted with a trade request in the past and as we see every few months in the NBA, there will be another unhappy superstar.
This isn’t a trade that would happen in-season for the Lakers. However, if things fall apart for Portland and Lillard wants out next summer then the Lakers seriously have to consider swapping Davis for him.
Dame and LeBron seem to have a great relationship and with his impact on the organization, Lillard could essentially force the Blazer’s hands to send him to Los Angeles. While Davis has injury concerns, it is hard to see the Blazers turning down a deal for a younger superstar.
Lakers could have had massive 2022 breakout star if not for Rob Pelinka
The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most disappointing teams in the league this season and making matters worse is what LA could have had.
As good as AD is at his best, this season has shown that the team would be better with an elite perimeter guard next to LeBron James. With cap space in the summer, Rob Pelinka could then put the pieces together around Lillard and LeBron to try and get back to the NBA Finals.