Lakers Rumors: Five players to trade Julius Randle for at the deadline

Carmelo Anthony’s tenure in Los Angeles may be coming to a close, and what better place to come than the next biggest market in America in Los Angeles? Anthony and the Knicks have a pretty rocky relationship, signaling that Anthony may be excited to waive his no trade clause. Although the Houston Rockets are tied the heaviest to Anthony, a move to the Lakers would favor both sides.

For Anthony, the Lakers would likely have to send Randle, Deng and Clarkson along with a future first round pick. The Knicks get younger on the court and with the pick, and the Lakers get that superstar to help lure in the likes of Paul George. If this trade were to happen, Anthony would likely move to power forward for the time being allowing Brandon Ingram to blossom.

Anthony’s presence alone would be huge for the Los Angeles Lakers, let alone his play. With the fast pace of play Lonzo Ball is bringing to LA we could see Anthony return to the 25 points per game mark for the first time in four seasons. We all know that Anthony wants to play for a winner and get that ring that has alluded him, and while the 2017 Lakers can’t provide that, with the right pieces the 2018 Lakers have a chance.

This deal makes sense because although Anthony has a big contract, it would not break the Lakers’ bank. Los Angeles would actually be taking in $6 million less with this deal. With Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Brook Lopez both on expiring deals the team now would have $46 million more in space after the season than they do now.