Why It Makes Sense For The Los Angeles Lakers
The main motive for the Los Angeles Lakers here is the draft capital. As it stands, they’re woefully short on it. With the Stepien rule disallowing teams from trading first-round picks in consecutive seasons, the next one the Lakers could offer in a trade comes in 2027.
The opportunity to replenish that war chest has to be tempting here. While a glamor market team like the Lakers may be less inclined to build through the draft, having those picks available for later trade negotiations is invaluable. This is a future-focused move for the Lakers.
That doesn’t have to mean it’s focused on the distant future. In fact, the Lakers would be acquiring players to complement an attack fueled by James and Russell Westbrook.
McDermott is one of the league’s best floor spacers. Meanwhile, Richardson has been an inconsistent three-point shooter, but regardless, he profiles as a 3-and-D threat that could provide a needed impact.
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Many have Westbrook’s plane ticket out of Los Angeles prepurchased. That may be hasty. Moving him for any value should prove difficult. A buyout is an option, but with his contract expiring after next season as is, there’s some logic in trying one more year with him if they’re moving Anthony Davis.
With better-fitting pieces, James and Westbrook may be able to co-captain a playoff run. If not, the Lakers can use their newfound cap space and draft picks to make a bid for another superstar heading into the 2023-24 season.
