Lakers Make Disastrous Move for All-Star Big Man in Blockbuster Projected Trade

The Los Angeles Lakers are 7-4 for the season and things are looking up in JJ Redick's first year as a head coach. Anthony Davis is playing at an MVP level and LeBron James is showing no signs of slowing down after his third straight triple-double.

Despite the fact that the two superstars are playing at a very high level, the Lakers need reinforcements to be a championship contender.

The Lakers were already lacking in frontcourt depth and are reportedly looking to add another center to the rotation. This was made even more urgent after Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood suffered setbacks in their recovery, and Jaxson Hayes was sidelined with an injury.

While it is pressing that the Lakers bring in another big man into the mix, it is equally important that it is the right type of player. The latest mock trade proposal by Dan Favale of the Bleacher Report completely misses the mark.

In his trade scenario, the Lakers give up D'Angelo Russell, Christian Wood, and a second-round pick for Nikola Vucevic of the Chicago Bulls.

Lakers Trade for All-Star Center Nikola Vucevic in Mock Proposal

On paper, the Lakers don't give up too much. Christian Wood is injured and was already on the fringes of the rotation when healthy. D'Angelo Russell is on an expiring contract and he has been a disappointment once again this season. Parting ways with those two to bring in an impact player is a worthy attempt.

Unfortunately, however, Vucevic is not that player. Even though he is off to a great start this season, shooting 59.1% from the field and 44.9% from three, averaging over 20 points and 10 rebounds, Vucevic is not a good fit on a team with aspirations.

Not only are his early-season shooting splits obviously unsustainable, but he is also a massive defensive liability. Slow-footed and unable to protect the rim, the 34-year-old would create more problems for the Lakers than he would solve.

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