Lakers: 29 Realistic trades to do with every other NBA team
By Jason Reed
The Central Division:
This deal has been talked about for some time now because of how well it benefits both sides. The Bulls can end their partnership with Dwayne Wade, bringing in a good young talent in Jordan Clarkson. Not to mention the Lakers get to get rid of both Deng’s and Clarkson’s contract for an expiring deal, that is a huge win.
Recent reports have suggested that Iman Shumpert may want out of Cleveland, much like Kyrie Irving did. A Clarkson for Shumpert deal can give the Lakers similar output as Clarkson. Plus, Shumpert will be a free agent one year sooner than Clarkson will, so the Lakers can free up the contract sooner.
Another deal for a superstar, here we see the Los Angeles Lakers trading for free throw specialist Andre Drummond. With no real chance of contending in the near future, the Pistons may benefit the most from trading Drummond. Here they would get a solid center on an expiring deal, two young talents and a future draft pick. That is the perfect preparation for the future.
If the Lakers have any worry that Brook Lopez may leave them hanging dry after this season, this deal would be the one to pull the trigger on. While the two teams may not do business for a long time, Al Jefferson would be a good plan B if the Lakers were unable to replace Lopez. With Myles Turner in Indiana, Jefferson is out of place anyway.
This deal would only be done if the Bucks were in a situation to make a title push and needed a better center. Greg Monroe and Lopez are on expiring deals, with Lopez being the better of the two. Lopez could give the Bucks that one last piece for a deep run, allowing the door to remain wide open for Thon Maker the following year.