Lakers Rumors: 3 Trades LA Should Make Now That Kyrie Irving Is Off The Board
Kyrie Irving shocked the sports world when he requested a trade out of the Brooklyn Nets last Friday. The Lakers were immediately seen as a top destination for the eight-time All-Star, due to their clear need for an upgrade in their backcourt and his past success with LeBron James.
Unfortunately, Los Angeles' front office failed to successfully acquire Irving as we saw the shifty point guard dealt to the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday in exchange for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, and draft capital.
However, the NBA's trade deadline is not until Thursday and the Lakers, who currently sit as the 13th seed in the West, clearly need to make other moves now that Irving is off of the market.
As LeBron James himself stated in a new interview with ESPN's Mike Wilbon, the team must move on.
James has been nicknamed "LeGM" by many fans following his involvement in previous seasons with trades within his teams. We will now follow in the footsteps of the King himself and dive into three potential trades the Lakers can still make.
1. Gary Trent Jr.
One of the most notable areas the Lakers need improvement in this season is 3-point shooting. Gary Trent Jr. has established himself as one of the top snipers in the league, shooting 38% from beyond the arc on 7 attempts per game.
The Lakers would likely look to move Russell Westbrook in this deal and could attach an expiring deal in Lonnie Walker Jr. with their two first round picks. The Raptors would attach Fred VanVleet and Chris Boucher in order to match contracts.
Toronto has been active in trade talks as the deadline looms and may just be the team that Los Angeles strikes a deal with.
2. Jordan Clarkson
The Lakers already welcomed back a familiar face prior to the 2022-2023 season in Thomas Bryant, who was drafted by the team in 2017. Why not make it two with Jordan Clarkson, a guard that was part of the team's young core prior to LeBron James' arrival and has blossomed into one of the best scorers in the league, taking home Sixth Man of the Year in 2021.
Speculations have been made that the trade would also include Mike Conley and Jared Vanderbilt as the Lakers remain in talks with the Jazz.
3. Zach Lavine
Dating back to the Showtime era of the franchise, the Lakers have always been home to some of the most electrifying and entertaining stars. Zach Lavine is an all-around scorer, high-flyer, and attended UCLA for college. He would fit in very nicely next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
A proposed trade by ESPN's Bobby Marks sees Lavine moved to LA along with former Laker Lonzo Ball and young forward Javonte Green. Chicago would receive Russell Westbrook, defensive-minded Patrick Beverley, rookie Max Christie, and the two first round picks.
Any three of these moves will immediately improve the Lakers' roster and help LA take a step toward making the fans and LeBron James happy again.
