Why Malcolm Brogdon Is The Perfect Target

While not all of the shortcomings of the Los Angeles Lakers this season can be blamed on Russell Westbrook, it was clear that he wasn’t a good fit for the roster. His skill set didn’t mesh with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, causing some awkwardness on the court.

That would not be a problem with Malcolm Brogdon. Essentially everything that Westbrook is weakest in, Brogdon excels. His 3-point shooting is what the team will benefit from the most offensively as he can space the floor and keep defenses honest. He is also a very good playmaker, providing some relief for James.

Defensively, Brogdon is a big upgrade on Westbrook as well. Los Angeles would be able to trust him to defend the best perimeter player on the opposing team night in and night out. Perimeter defense was an issue throughout the season for the Lakers but Brogdon would provide a solid stopper at the point of attack.

After acquiring Tyrese Haliburton ahead of the trade deadline from the Sacramento Kings in the Domantas Sabonis deal, Brogdon became somewhat expendable. While he and Haliburton can coexist in the same backcourt, Indiana would more than likely prefer to move forward with Chris Duarte as Haliburton’s running mate.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 2 Trade Packages To Land Malcolm Brogdon With Los Angeles Lakers

If the Lakers could snag Buddy Hield along with Brogdon, it is even more of a victory for them. Hield would thrive playing alongside James as a long-range sniper and one of the best volume 3-point shooters in the league.

Draft compensation shouldn’t hold this deal up as the Los Angeles Lakers need to do whatever they can to move on from Westbrook and reconfigure the roster in a way to become competitive as soon as possible.