Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F Doug McDermott
Indiana Pacers Receive: F Markieff Morris, G Wesley Matthews, LAL 2023 2nd Round Pick, LAL 2027 2nd Round Pick
Doug McDermott is a very reliable offensive player and over the years with the Pacers, he has really turned into a solid bench player and potential sixth-man. He is now in his 7th season in the NBA and is having a career year, averaging 13.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and shooting 50.7% from the floor, 37.5% from three-point range.
It is hard to imagine the Pacers trading a productive role player like McDermott, but getting two established veteran players and some draft compensation could help them out both now and long-term. Doug McDermott is earning some money with the way he has been playing and the Pacers may not be able to keep him long-term past this season, which is why they could look to get value for him now.
Not only could Justin Holiday, Jeremy Lamb and Caris LeVert replace his production on the wing, but Markieff Morris and Wesley Matthews could also provide some depth and help replicate his production.
Outside of LeBron James, Anthony Davis (when healthy) and Dennis Schroder, the Los Angeles Lakers are not that productive of a team and do not have as much depth as people may think they have, especially on the wing. With Davis being out, it is very clear to see that the Lakers could use another one or two role players for production, which is why Doug McDermott could fit in well.
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He is more than capable of knocking down perimeter shots and adding another double-digit scorer to their rotation could give the Lakers more firepower to aid them in their championship defense season. As things stand right now, the Lakers are still one of the top teams in the league and one of the favorites to win the championship this year, but adding more offensive talent at the expense of two veteran role players could definitely improve their roster.
Expect both teams to hold off on making any significant trades like this one, but let’s take a closer look as to how this trade could impact both teams and whether or not it is worthwhile for them to consider.
