Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F Julius Randle, G Derrick Rose
New York Knicks Receive: F/C Anthony Davis
This is the most likely iteration of this deal you’ll find on the internet.
It’s justifiable from both sides. It should be appealing to the Lakers for several reasons. Firstly, it gives them flexibility regarding Russell Westbrook’s future. While the former MVP’s game is obviously hitting an aging curve, he could still be effective sharing the point guard spot in a platoon with Derrick Rose.
Furthermore, Randle could be a stretch big man that maximizes Westbrook. Granted, the 30.8% he shot from distance last year is uninspiring. It’s still comfortably better than Davis’ 18.6%.
Moreover, if Randle could get closer to the 41.1% he shot in 2020-21, he could facilitate the return of prime Westbrook.
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On the other hand, this deal allows them to move Westrook in a separate deal. After all, they’re landing his immediate replacement in Rose. Suppose the Hornets’ rumored interest in Westbrook is true.
Say they’re willing to trade Gordon Hayward and Terry Rozier for Westbrook and a pick. A core of LeBron James, Julius Randle, Gordon Hayward, Terry Rozier and Derrick Rose makes this team considerably deeper than they were last season.
It probably gives them enough to contend for the NBA championship.
