Los Angeles Lakers Receive: C Nikola Vucevic, G Lonzo Ball, G Alex Caruso, F Troy Brown Jr., C Tony Bradley
Chicago Bulls Receive: G Anthony Davis, G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick
If the last deal looked unrealistic, this one is purely a flight of fantasy. Let’s indulge anyway.
The Chicago Bulls are taking a stick of dynamite to their entire infrastructure. Still, they’re receiving the best player in the trade when healthy in Anthony Davis, and the only draft pick exchanged in the trade. If they lose in the first round of the playoffs, there would have to be a little temptation to overhaul this roster.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers restock on players that actually stand to fit alongside LeBron James. A reunion with Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso makes for a feel-good story, but it may make practical sense as well.
They’re both high IQ guards that provide value both on defense and off-ball. They’re both anti-Westbrook players, meaning that they can play with LeBron James.
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Suddenly, the Lakers are deeper and better constructed. Meanwhile, the Bulls take a year to see if they can make the Russell Westbrook and Davis pairing work. If not, they can either flip Davis for a rebuilding package after Westbrook’s contract expires, or build around the hometown big man. If he can get his health right, he should still be squarely in his prime.
Otherwise, he won’t be of much use to anyone.
