While the Lakers do not have the trade capital for trading for someone like Ben Simmons with them still owing multiple first-round picks to the Pelicans for the Anthony Davis trade a couple of seasons ago, this would be an ideal trade for them to upgrade their shooting guard position for the long haul of the rest of the regular season leading into playoffs. He’s an elite outside shooter this season (46.1 percent) who can get to the rim and do a bit of playmaking for others.
Lakers trade: Avery Bradley and a 2024 second-round pick
Rockets trade: Eric Gordon
This is an interesting trade for the Lakers to think about. With James Harden expressing his frustration with his role on the Brooklyn Nets, this gives me an idea for the Lakers to find some trading capital to give LeBron and AD an extra star to give them rest until the playoffs start heating up. The only thing is bringing on Harden’s large contract, he is owed $44 million this year among some of the highest in the NBA. But if the Nets are willing to let him go, then the Lakers should jump at the opportunity to get one of the best shooting guards in the game today for the most ideal price that they can get him for.
Lakers trade: Russell Westbrook, Malik Monk, 2025 1st round pick, 2026 1st round pick, 2027 first-round pick, 2024 2nd round pick
Nets trade: James Harden, 2028 2nd round pick
Nurkic isn’t having the best season of his career but has been one of the league’s most consistent big men for several seasons now. He’s currently averaging 14.6 points and 10.7 rebounds (a career-best) per game. The only thing to consider is if Lillard stays in Portland. If he does the Trailblazers, then they would want to have as many vital players and draft capital to build a successful team around him. The good news is that Nurkic’s stock is low so that the Lakers won’t have to trade away too much to get him but only time will tell if Portland is willing to get rid of him.
Lakers trade: Dwight Howard, 2024 2nd round pick, 2027 2nd round pick
Trailblazers trade: Jusuf Nurkic
