Lakers insider proposes blockbuster trade plan to reshape roster around LeBron James and Anthony Davis
Amid the LA Lakers' rocky play, team insider Anthony F. Irwin proposed a massive trade season blueprint. The proposal would allow LA to reshape its roster around superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis and possibly contend in the stacked Western Conference.
Since starting 10-4, the Lakers have dropped seven of their last 10 games, falling to eighth in the West (13-11). They rank just 26th in defensive rating (117.0). Meanwhile, their offensive rating has slipped to 14th (113.0), suggesting they aren't serious contenders.
LA still has Davis and James performing at All-Star levels, with Davis appearing primed for an All-NBA selection. It also has multiple future draft picks and midtier contracts at its disposal. Thus, many Lakers fans hope the team goes all in on what is expected to be one of James' final seasons.
On Tuesday, Irwin outlined some potential moves the franchise could make to get back on track on X/Twitter. Those include deals with the Washington Wizards and Brooklyn Nets, as well as a free agent signing.
"Not sourced, so I won't say how likely any of this is, but here's my ideal trade season/deadline (in order)," Irwin wrote.
"- (Trade) Gabe (Vincent), (Christian) Wood (and) three second-round picks (to Washington) for (Jonas) Valanciunas, ASAP.
"- Sign Markelle Fultz
"- (Trade D'Angelo Russell), Rui (Hachimura), (Jalen Hood-Schifino), Cam (Reddish), two first-round picks (and) two second-round picks (to Brooklyn) for (Dorian Finney-Smith and) Cameron Johnson."
Acquiring Valanciunas would give the Lakers a proven nightly double-double threat behind Davis. The 13-year veteran is averaging 12.6 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, shooting 56.6% through 22 outings.
Moreover, Johnson and Finney-Smith would likely fortify LA's 3-point shooting and perimeter defense. Across 23 appearances, Johnson is averaging a career-high 18.8 ppg, shooting 48.8% and 43.4% from deep. Meanwhile, Finney-Smith is averaging 10.6 ppg, shooting 46.5% and 43.2% from long distance through 16 contests.
As for Fultz, signing the 2017 No. 1 draft pick could help the team replenish its guard depth if it trades Russell, Vincent and Hood-Schifino.
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Lakers reportedly angling to bolster frontcourt and perimeter defense
Anthony F. Irwin's ideal Lakers trade season plan aligns with NBA insider Jake Fischer's Saturday report about the organization's objectives.
Per Fischer, LA is aiming to improve its frontcourt and perimeter defense ahead of the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline.
"All credible signals circulating about the Lakers suggest that LA is looking to fortify its frontcourt and add perimeter defense to assist LeBron James and Anthony Davis," Fischer wrote.
However, if the franchise surrenders extensive future draft capital, it will likely ensure the moves at least elevate it to the West's upper echelon.
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