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Grade the trade: Lakers land James Harden in controversial proposed deal

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 15: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers makes his way past James Harden #1 and Georges Niang #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers to dispute a call during the second half of a game at Crypto.com Arena on January 15, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 15: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers makes his way past James Harden #1 and Georges Niang #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers to dispute a call during the second half of a game at Crypto.com Arena on January 15, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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Lakers D'Angelo Russell
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Lakers grade for proposed James Harden trade: F

If you are a frequent reader of Lake Show Life you know that one of our biggest fears is the Los Angeles Lakers trading for Kyrie Irving this season. LeBron has made it very clear that he would like to play with Kyrie again and his salary also matches up perfectly for a Russell-Hachimura combo.

A Kyrie trade wouldn’t actually be the worst-case scenario for the Lakers because this would be. If there is one star that would be even worse to bring in it is Harden, especially considering he is on an expiring deal as well.

Harden has quit on three different teams by now and he never shows up in the NBA Playoffs. He is a big name, sure, but he is past his prime, doesn’t play a lick of defense and melts down when the lights are the brightest. Honestly, are we even sure that he is better than Austin Reaves at this point in his career?

76ers grade for proposed James Harden trade: C-

This is a situation where the deal doesn’t really make sense for either side. The Lakers would be taking a gamble that would almost certainly not pan out. Meanwhile, the 76ers would be trading Harden for two rotation players who are good, but don’t do anything for the 76ers.

Russell and Hachimura both have carved-out roles on the Lakers. The 76ers don’t need more role players, they need someone who can be the Robin to Joel Embiid’s Bat-Man. As talented as Russell and Hachimura are, neither of them can provide that.

But then again, this type of trade is probably the best that the 76ers can do, which shows how bad of a situation the team is in. That is why you don’t get in the James Harden business.

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