Would this trade make sense for the Los Angeles Lakers?
The Los Angeles Lakers would make this trade if they are completely convinced that Russell Westbrook cannot help them. This deal would give them a bit more depth, although the depth they’d be trading for hasn’t had great seasons, either.
Tim Hardaway Jr. has the ability to be an amazing third option who scores the ball efficiently. He’s done that super well in years past. That being said, he’s been very disappointing this year, but that’s a risk the Lakers would have to take in order to get off of Westbrook’s contract.
A similar statement can be said for Reggie Bullock. The Mavs signed him this offseason thinking he’d be the efficient 3&D guy he was in New York, but he’s been struggling. If the Lakers can nurse him back to the level he played at with the Knicks, that’d be huge for them.
Lastly, Maxi Kleber would immediately help them improve their big man rotation. Right now, it’s just an injured Anthony Davis, two aging, struggling veterans, and LeBron James at center. Kleber would give them a major boost at that position.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Russell Westbrook’s Play Beyond Point Of Concern For Lakers
Again, the Lakers would likely only make this deal if they are totally done with Westbrook. However, it would give them (in theory) a few good depth pieces to surround James and Davis with for the rest of this season. All three of these contracts are also a lot more tradable than Westbrook’s.
