Brooklyn Nets Receive: F/C Al Horford, G Derrick White
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Kyrie Irving
Boston Celtics Receive: F/C Anthony Davis
So far, we’ve looked at deals for the Lakers that aim to maximize Russell Westbrook. Does this trade help to that end?
It’s difficult to say. On the one hand, Kyrie Irving is a great off-ball player. In theory, he should be able to share a backcourt with Westbrook. On the other hand, Irving is an even better on-ball player. He may be able to co-exist with Westbrook, but it’s not clear that he’d maximize him.
That’s a moot point for the Lakers. They could try to ship Westbrook elsewhere, have him man the second unit, or just send him home for an extended vacation during 2022-23. Reuniting James with Irving is the priority with this deal.
They’ll miss Davis. When healthy, he’s one of the best two-way big men in the NBA. Still, they may be able to replace him with a budget version. It won’t be easy, but sometimes, contending teams need to make difficult decisions in the NBA.
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Of course, in 2021-22, the Lakers weren’t even close to contention. They’ll be aiming to be in 2022-23. If they have to do something drastic to get there, so be it.
