San Antonio Spurs

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F Doug McDermott, C Jakob Poeltl, G/F Josh Richardson

San Antonio Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 1st Round Pick (LAL), 2029 1st Round Pick (LAL)

The San Antonio Spurs have been connected to the Los Angeles Lakers a lot this offseason. They have been a rumored third team that would get involved to help facilitate a Russell Westbrook trade.

Instead of using them as a third team, why not just make a deal with the Spurs straight up? The front office reportedly gave LeBron James their word that they would do everything they could to upgrade the roster even if that meant making the 2027 and 2029 first-round picks available.

If you are going to trade those picks to part ways with Westbrook, you want very good pieces back and the San Antonio Spurs can provide them that. Because San Antonio has so much cap space, they can take Westbrook back as well without matching his salary.

That is reason No. 1 that the Lakers would have to part with a first-rounder. Reason No. 2 is that they are getting three very good rotation players that are good enough to start on most teams around the league.

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Doug McDermott is a lights-out 3-point shooter and players of that caliber always thrive playing alongside James. Josh Richardson is an excellent two-way wing player that rediscovered his 3-point shooting stroke last season. 

Poeltl had a breakout 2021-22 campaign, averaging 13.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.7 blocks in only 29 minutes per game. He is an excellent defensive center and a perfect complement alongside Anthony Davis in the frontcourt, enabling Davis to remain at his preferred power forward position.