Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: C/F Kevin Love, G/F Caris LeVert
The Los Angeles Lakers won’t be able to land Love unless they’re able to find a taker for Russell Westbrook. There’s no way they’re flipping Anthony Davis for him. In spite of his injury-riddled last two seasons, that should be a non-starter.
The Cleveland Cavaliers likely have no interest in Westbrook either. Still, two future first-round picks could be of more value to either of them than Love or LeVert. They can buy Westbrook out, or simply sit him for the year.
Some will protest that notion. They may not have taken a look at LeVert’s scoring efficiency. His career 52.5% True Shooting Percentage (TS%) suggests that he may be less of a cornerstone and more of a trade chip.
He’d still make for a meaningful roster upgrade for the Lakers. As one of the league’s oldest teams, they face an urgent need to win at all costs. The Cavaliers, being built around Evan Mobley and Darius Garland, have the luxury of time.
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Still, they may not want to bask in it. If the Cleveland Cavaliers are insistent on taking a step forward in 2022-23, a three-team deal could still send Love to the Los Angeles Lakers.
