San Antonio Spurs
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: C Jakob Poeltl, F Doug McDermott, G/F Josh Richardson
San Antonio Spurs Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Recently, it’s been suggested that the Spurs are open to moving Jakob Poeltl – at the cost of two first-round picks.
We like Poeltl. He’s a strong rim protector who can also survive in space and rebounds the ball well.
Regardless, that feels like a steep price. For the Spurs to convince a team to meet it, they’ll likely need to attach another quality veteran or two. Even then, they’ll need the opposing side to be desperate.
Enter the Los Angeles Lakers.
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Realistically, this is the type of deal that might have to wait until mid-season. The Spurs may hold out for a team who’s willing to grab Poeltl alone at that price, and the Lakers may hold out for a better deal.
On the other hand, the Spurs are tanking. If Poeltl is being a little too “helpful”, they may feel more urgency to move him.
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Meanwhile, the Lakers can’t afford to tank. If they stick with Westbrook and struggle like they did last season, they’ll only get more desperate. In that event, they could do worse than this.