Would this trade make sense for the Los Angeles Lakers?
This deal would only take place if Josh Hart is okay with a move back to the Los Angeles Lakers. Obviously, they traded him in a package for Anthony Davis not too long ago, so it’s unknown if there’s any bad blood between the two parties.
From purely a basketball standpoint, though, Hart would be an amazing fit on the Lakers. He’s a great two-way player and would fit right into their starting lineup. Talen Horton-Tucker, but Hart would provide them with some much-needed consistency.
The Lakers struggle with one thing more than anything else this year – defense. Adding a consistent, top-tier perimeter defender like Hart (who can also defend the post fairly well) would do wonders for the way they play on that side of the floor.
Los Angeles would also get an (arguably) slight upgrade at the center position. Willy Hernangomez wouldn’t play too many minutes for the Lakers, but based on the way DeAndre Jordan has looked, there’s little doubt he’d be somewhat of an upgrade.
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Overall, trading a young, potential-filled player for quality veterans is a smart move for the Lakers. If they can get a better player (Jerami Grant, Myles Turner, etc.) for this package, then fine. But if not, this would be a pretty good deal for them.