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Los Angeles Lakers: Why trading for DeAndre Jordan would be genius

By Jason Reed

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 23: DeAndre Jordan #6 of the Los Angeles Clippers grabs a rebound against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 23, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 23: DeAndre Jordan #6 of the Los Angeles Clippers grabs a rebound against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 23, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. The sign-and-trade is perfect for the Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers cannot directly talk to DeAndre Jordan as that would be tampering. However, players (such as LeBron) can plan ahead with Jordan, potentially planning to both join the Lakers.

Thus, Jordan could present an ultimatum to the Clippers similar to what Chris Paul did with the Rockets: either let me walk away and get nothing for me or I can opt into the last year of my contract if you trade me to the Lakers.

This may be the only way the Lakers could realistically get Jordan unless he would be willing to take a huge pay cut if the Clippers do not want to trade him to the crosstown foes. However, if presented with the opportunity to get at least something out of Jordan, the trading route is much smarter.

This way, the Lakers would be able to get rid of Luol Deng‘s contract without having to give up a young superstar. Los Angeles would only need to package the Cavaliers draft pick or even Josh Hart to get this deal done. As good as Hart is, getting DeAndre Jordan and getting rid of Luol Deng has a much bigger impact than Hart does coming off of the bench.

This way, the Lakers would still have around $57 million in practical cap space. Which leads directly into the next reason why this trade is so genius.

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