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Los Angeles Lakers: A deadline trade for a center is in play

By Jason Reed

DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 03: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets has his shot blocked by Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Miami Heat at the Pepsi Center on November 3, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 03: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets has his shot blocked by Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Miami Heat at the Pepsi Center on November 3, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

2. Kevin Love

Kevin Love is not a traditional center but in today’s NBA can still be one of the most productive centers in the league.

What makes this deal so interesting, though, is the fact that he would be following LeBron James to Los Angeles after locking down an extension in Cleveland. Love was a rumored trade target for the Lakers before and the extension does not change anything.

It only changes when the deal could happen.

Extending Kevin Love only increases his trade value due to his team control. As great as it sounds having Love be the guy in Cleveland, the Cavaliers are in no spot to even make the playoffs without LeBron James and should be looking to flip Love for more young pieces to surround Collin Sexton with.

That trade could be with the Lakers, who could get rid of Luol Deng’s contract but likely would have to send a combination of Moritz Wagner and Josh Hart or just Brandon Ingram.

I know fans are not in love with the idea of trading young assets, but if it means getting Deng off the books, and someone like Leonard or Klay Thompson come to LA in the summer, it is more than worth it.

It gives LeBron the established second star that he is comfortable with while opening up space for another star to form a new big three in LA. It is a stretch but it is not completely out of the picture.

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