Lakers shouldn’t trade anybody at the deadline at this point

If you’re the Lakers, there really is no point in trying to get a deal done anymore.

Thanks to the season-ending injury to DeMarcus Cousins and the recent situation with Paul George, it’s hard to really see why the Lakers would make a move at the trade deadline anymore. Those were the two names at the top of the list in terms of superstars they could actually, realistically make a deal for and now they’re both out of that picture entirely.

Cousins might never be the same player again when he comes back healthy, and Paul George seemed to be a huge fan of the way Westbrook approached his original snubbing from the All-Star festivities until Cousins’ injury changed all of that.

It’s unfortunate for Los Angeles, because the one injury to Cousins practically killed two birds with one stone.

You’d have to think that Oklahoma City would have at least listened to offers from Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka in an attempt to move George, as for most of the season, it’s appeared as though he’s intent on playing for his home team when he becomes a free agent.

However, if the Thunder can put together a championship or deep playoff run, that might be enough to convince George to stick around.

Also, with the recent play of Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle, it’d be a bit confusing to just trade them as soon as they start figuring things out and both playing well at the same time. Hitting the pause button for now doesn’t cancel out the idea of moving Clarkson in the off-season for cap space or anything like that.

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But a deal at this point in time risks derailing the chemistry of this entire locker room and it is not worth the risk whatsoever. If the Lakers can approach this situation smart, they’ll show the fan base that they can be trusted to do well in free agency, even if they don’t get the players at the top of their wish list.