Los Angeles Lakers: Possible trade scenarios for each young star

Lonzo Ball potential trade:

The Portland Trailblazers are at a bit of a crossroads in the future of the franchise. After being swept by the New Orleans Pelicans in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, it may be time to realize that the core that the Blazers have is not enough to win a title. The backcourt of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum is promising but needs more to take that extra step towards contention.

And let’s face it, Portland is not necessarily a prime free agent destination. With some poor contracts and not really and young tradable assets that will merit a good enough return, the Blazers’ hands are tied. The team can either stick together and continue to be a middle of the pack playoff team or blow it all up.

If the front office decides on the latter, Damian Lillard would be the first one shopped. It makes sense for the Blazers to go out and get a young guard in return, with Lonzo Ball being a very interesting trade target.

For the Lakers, the team would be able to get Deng’s contract off of the books while bringing in a star to lure in other superstars. In making this deal, the Lakers would theoretically still have enough salary cap space to bring in both LeBron James and Paul George, forming the scariest big three in basketball.

The only thing the Los Angeles Lakers should even consider trading Ball for is an elite guard. Lillard is just that but this deal is still pretty unlikely.