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Los Angeles Lakers: Ranking rumored trade targets by impact

By Jason Reed

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 22: John Wall #2 and Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards talk on the floor in the first half against the Toronto Raptors during Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Capital One Arena on April 22, 2018 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 22: John Wall #2 and Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards talk on the floor in the first half against the Toronto Raptors during Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Capital One Arena on April 22, 2018 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. Damian Lillard

Damian Lillard practically started these rumors himself with what many think is a cryptic tweet about the Los Angeles Lakers. When asked how he would feel about getting traded to the Lakers, Lillard simply responded, “I’m typically a happy camper”.

Now, this really does not foreshadow anything as this is completely out of Lillard’s control and the Trail Blazers were the third seed in the West last season. Portland is more than talented and can make a run if they get hot in the Western Conference. There is no reason that they cannot make the Western Conference Finals.

However, if by whatever reason the Blazers are shopping Lillard then the Los Angeles Lakers should be the first team to call. This would probably mean parting ways with both Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma, however, it would be more than worth it for the future of the team.

A trade would likely look something along the lines of Ball, Kuzma, Deng and an unprotected 2019 pick and a protected 2020 pick. Portland would be getting two promising prospects and two draft picks for taking on Luol Deng’s salary; that is not bad.

The Lakers would then be getting an elite, young guard that could blossom into one of, if not the, best in the NBA. Lillard can excel both on and off the ball, providing flexibility in the Lakers’ offense. Most importantly, he gives LeBron that much-needed security in the backcourt without a clashing play style.

James has always thrived with an elite guard, think of Dwyane Wade and Kyrie Irving. Lillard is just another elite guard to add to LeBron’s teammate list and may be the best one of the three.

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With Lillard, the Lakers would have a starting five of Lillard, Caldwell-Pope, Ingram, James and whoever the team finds at center (again, hopefully not McGee). With cap space next summer as well, this is a team that can win multiple NBA Championships.

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