Dallas Mavericks Receive: G Russell Westbrook, F Talen Horton-Tucker, C Marc Gasol
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: C/F Kristaps Porzingis, C Dwight Powell, G Trey Burke
This deal is a worst-case scenario for the Los Angeles Lakers. They are hopeful that Russell Westbrook can help take pressure off of LeBron James and Anthony Davis offensively. He can initiate some of the offense and should succeed as a slasher attacking the rim.
It is a different approach, as James usually succeeds when he is surrounded by sharpshooters offensively. Westbrook is not that, as he currently has the second-worst 3-point percentage in NBA history for any player with at least 2,000 attempts.
If things backfire and a change needs to be made, this is a deal Bleacher Report believes could occur. Westbrook would be heading to Dallas, along with Talen Horton-Tucker and Marc Gasol.
That is a solid package for Dallas, especially when you consider their struggles moving their albatross contract in the way of Kristaps Porzingis. Horton-Tucker has a lot of potential, so landing him in a deal like this is a nice get. Gasol is a steady veteran that adds depth to the center position should he not retire.
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Joining Porzingis in Hollywood is solid big man Dwight Powell, who would further bolster the Los Angeles Lakers’ frontcourt. Trey Burke has proven he can be a spark plug off the bench with his offensive prowess.
How does this hypothetical deal impact both teams? Let’s take a look, beginning with the Dallas Mavericks.
