Grade the trade: Lakers use exception for promising big in proposed deal

Lakers grade for proposed Charles Bassey trade: B

In terms of asset management, this would be solid for the Los Angeles Lakers. The team would be able to add a depth big for an extremely cheap price both in what the team is trading as well as what Bassey’s contract looks like.

There is also reason to do this instead of just hoping that he gets waived and can join LA. Having two more years of non-guaranteed salaries puts the ball in the Lakers’ court and can allow the team to keep him if he really clicks in LA. Plus, if he is waived, there is the chance of another team swooping up and adding him.

Is Bassey the most exciting option to be the third big in LA? No. But after losing Bamba, there aren’t many solid options remaining. Is swapping second-round picks for Bassey better than signing an over-the-hill veteran? Absolutely.

Bassey is only going to be 23 years old next season and he has shown legitimate potential in small flashes. If there is any team that could get the most out of him, it it the Lakers.

Spurs grade for proposed Charles Bassey trade: B-

The best-case scenario for the Spurs if they were to trade Bassey would be to get an outright second pick but the team does not have much leverage to pull that off if it is planning on waiving him anyway.

That being said, getting something out of an asset rather than just waiving them for nothing is always the way to go and the Lakers are one of the few teams in the league that have an exception and the need for a young, backup big.

San Antonio runs the risk of Bassey working out in Los Angeles but the team is not going to cut playing time for anyone ahead of Bassey on the depth chart, so there really is no other way to go.