Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G John Wall, 2022 First-Round Pick (No. 17 – HOU), 2023 First-Round Pick (MIA), 2026 First-Round Pick (Swap – HOU), 2028 First-Round Pick (HOU)
Houston Rockets Receive: F/C Anthony Davis
By even proposing this deal, we run the risk of losing every reader we have in Los Angeles. Good thing we’re willing to take a walk on the wild side.
If this trade looks like a rebuilding package for the Los Angeles Lakers, that’s because it is. Here’s the thing: the Lakers won 33 games in 2021-22. They may want to consider rebuilding.
Here, they stock up on some much-needed draft capital in exchange for Davis. They also land an expiring contract in Wall. Of course, they’ll be the subject of countless memes as they roster Westbrook and Wall at the same time.
In the same breath, those contracts will expire at the same time. This trade may not strictly be a rebuilding move either. It could be a risky gamble on LeBron James’ longevity. If he’s still a bionic superhuman in 2023-24, this deal could position the Lakers to acquire two superstars to play alongside him for that season.
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On the other hand, either side could decline this deal. The Rockets may be unwilling to part with so much draft capital, and the Lakers may not want to hinge so much on a 37-year-old James maintaining his current level. In that case, the next deal may suit either side more.