Lakers trade rumors: Kawhi, LeBron & Paul George — how it can be done
By Jason Reed
The finished product:
The Los Angeles Lakers would truly build something special by making all of these moves. While it is a bit of fantasy booking, the Lakers have turned this from a fantasy to a viable reality by freeing up so much cap space. Plus, the allure of Los Angeles definitely helps when it comes to pulling off these kinds of blockbusters.
Following these moves, the Lakers’ starting five would probably look as followed:
PG — Lonzo Ball
SG — Paul George
SF — Kawhi Leonard
PF — LeBron James
C — Julius Randle
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This is a pretty small lineup and in any other period in NBA history would have a lot of problems with other elite NBA teams. However, in today’s day in age where the three-point ball reigns supreme, this lineup would be just fine. Plus, it helps that Julius Randle is a force down low, bullying nearly anyone that gets in his way.
Notable names off of the bench for the Lakers are Kyle Kuzma and Josh Hart, giving the bench pieces needed to contend. Ivica Zubac and/or Thomas Bryant would also help add size down low.
This team is a lock for 60 wins and quite frankly could probably win 70 games; the starting five has a little bit of everything.
There is the pass-first distributing point guard in Lonzo Ball that won’t get in the way of the scorers. Then there is Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, who are both good for 20 points a night. Randle who can be a menace down low. Finally, LeBron James, who can really do whatever he wants on the court.
Defensively, the Lakers would be one of the best teams in basketball. Ball, George and Leonard would be a scary defense to play against; James and Randle are also good help-defense guys.
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This team is special. Laker fans should be rooting for these Lakers trade rumors to come true. If they do, Los Angeles would likely be looking at several more banners to hang in the rafters.