Lakers Rumors: The trade package to land Damian Lillard

Damian Lillard’s name has been tossed around in the latest Lakers rumors as a potential target for LA this season. Here is the deal that could get it done come February.

The Los Angeles Lakers are not done shopping for superstars after landing LeBron James — at least, that is what the latest Lakers rumors entail.

Multiple stars have been connected to the Los Angeles Lakers. Prominent free agents such as Klay Thompson, Jimmy Butler and Kawhi Leonard have all seen their names tossed around in the Lakers rumors; each potentially being a target next summer.

If the front office is hesitant of trying their luck in the free agent pool, the team could look to make a trade. The most prominent Lakers rumors have been about Anthony Davis, who is now represented by Klutch Sports Group, the same agency that represents LeBron James.

It does not stop at Davis, though, as superstar point guard Damian Lillard has also been included in the Lakers rumors.

Speculation around Lillard and the Lakers first occurred in the offseason and has fizzled down significantly as the season has approached. However, Bill Simmons, who likely has multiple sources within the league, thinks that a trade for Lillard is impending.

On The Bill Simmons Podcast, Simmons said the following about the future of the Portland Trail Blazers and why their betting win total was so low.

"“It’s almost like Vegas made the over/under low because they know that in February a Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Lonzo Ball for Damian Lillard trade is coming,” Simmons continued. “It’s almost that that is on their radar already.”"

Simmons did say this in a somewhat joking manner, giving the impression that he was trying to say something without committing to the report. And while at the end of the day it could have been pointless banter, the existing reports of a possible deal for Lillard make this something worth noting.

Thus, what trade would work out for both sides? Just Caldwell-Pope and Ball would not work due to salary implications. Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka are also going to need to entice Portland a bit more.

If the deal is to transpire, here is how we seeing it go down:

Lance Stephenson is the perfect contract to throw into the deal to make it work financially. Stephenson is on an expiring contract, as is Caldwell-Pope, that is worth $4.4 million this season. This would make the Trail Blazers return worth $23.9 million. Lillard is owed just under $28 million.

For the Blazers, this makes sense if the team is not living up to expectations come February and decides to strip the team. The team doesn’t really have much leverage in bringing in a star to compete with Lillard and C.J. McCollum and would maximize the trade return by dealing the two guards before they are on expiring deals.

Ball would be the main piece for the Blazers to build around and it could help his career. Instead of playing third or even fourth fiddle on the Lakers, Ball being the focal point of a franchise could bring him along significantly faster.

Caldwell-Pope and Stephenson give the Blazers cap relief, which is huge for a rebuilding team. Portland could then take on large contracts from other teams in return for draft picks and young assets; think D’Angelo Russell and the Brooklyn Nets.

As for the Lakers, this makes sense if the team wants to win now and does not want to test free agency. If there is any doubt of signing a star next summer or ever trading for Anthony Davis, and this deal is on the table, I would take it.

Plus, if LA is going to trade for Davis it is undoubtedly going to cost Brandon Ingram. That is where the front office must ask the question: Lonzo Ball or Brandon Ingram?

Nine out of 10 Laker fans would choose Ingram. And while we are huge supporters of Lonzo Ball here at LA Sports Hub, these Lakers rumors do make sense for both sides.