This massive Lakers-Pistons trade could happen after latest rumors

Why the Detroit Pistons could say yes to this trade:

This is a classic trade to make by a tanking team. Detroit is more interested in losing games this season than winning games and trading away several key role players would help them accomplish that.

Not only are they getting worse this season but they are taking a lot of future money off the books past this season. Detroit would be taking in more money by adding Westbrook but that only lasts for half a season.

Detroit could buy Westbrook out or they could keep him in town to boost ticket sales for the time being. It is not like he would be taking away playing time from Cade Cunningham, who is out for the season with injury.

In doing this, the Pistons are also getting two incredibly valuable first-round picks from an organization that is not run very well. These picks have far more value than what the team would otherwise get for trading these role players individually.

There isn’t much more nuance to the trade for Detroit. When you look at the long-term picture of the franchise, this is a move that accomplishes all of their goals while also allowing the Lakers to bow to any potential pressure from LeBron James.

And as far as the Lakers are concerned, they would then have a starting five of Austin Reaves, Bojan Bogdanovic, LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Thomas Bryant with a bench unit consisting of Patrick Beverley, Alec Burks, Nerlens Noel, Lonnie Walker IV and others.

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The Los Angeles Lakers may have more trade options at the deadline if these teams continue to play poorly over the next month of action.

That is not too shabby.