Lakers: Four steps to win a title by the 2020 season
By Jason Reed
3. Trade Brandon Ingram for an established star
As much as Laker fans love Ingram and hate to see his name in any kind of trade talks, it is something the Los Angeles Lakers have to do to win a championship. Heck, last time the team traded a young star (see: Marc Gasol) they brought in his brother, Pau Gasol, who was a pivotal part of the Lakers winning back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010.
Marc Gasol may have blossomed into one of the best centers in the game, but he would not have helped the Lakers immediately in winning those two championships. Although Ingram may blossom into someone extremely special, for now, he does not have a huge impact in title implications.
Especially if the team brings in George, the point of keeping Ingram fades away. Los Angeles would benefit much more in dealing Ingram for someone that can help, rather than waste his potential off of the bench.
Whoever the Lakers do trade for, it has to be a shooting guard. Talks of Klay Thompson and George teaming up in LA have been present before, but seem highly unlikely.
A great target for the Lakers to pursue is fellow Los Angelean DeMar DeRozan. DeRozan, who grew up in Compton and went to USC, has become one of the best scorers in the NBA. Los Angeles could send the Toronto Raptors, who may finally realize they can’t compete with Cleveland, Ingram along with several future first-round picks.
Although the Lakers are selling away their future, they would be bringing in another superstar for Paul George to play alongside. At the end of the day, George did say he needed another star in LA if he were to head home.