Orlando Magic
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F/C Jonathan Isaac, C Mo Bamba, G/F Terrance Ross
Orlando Magic Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL)
When people look at potential trade targets for the Lakers, they usually talk about veterans they could acquire. Having said that, what’s stopping them from targeting some younger players?
This deal is perhaps the most intriguing in this piece from the Lakers’ perspective. Realistically, it’s got a higher ceiling and a lower floor than the others involved.
Jonathan Isaac’s injury history is particularly troubling – if he gets hurt again, the Lakers traded a first-round pick for Bamba and Ross, which doesn’t feel like a great return.
At the same time, that’s exactly why the Lakers are holding onto their 2029 pick here. Meanwhile, if Isaac turns a corner in the purple-and-gold, this could be a fantastic deal for the Lakers. When healthy, he looks like one of the best defensive wings in the NBA.
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Meanwhile, the Magic may no have a use for him. Between Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, they look to have their forwards of the future.
Moreover, it’s equally easy to see that the organization favours Wendell Carter Jr. over Mo Bamba – they re-signed Bamba to avoid losing him for nothing, but that doesn’t mean they view him as a core piece moving forward.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Russell Westbrook, Los Angeles Lakers & Orlando Magic Updates
By that logic, flipping both for a first-round pick would be a solid decision. It’s unlikely that the Magic would find a use for Westbrook – they would probably either buy him out or ask him to sit the season out. In that event, the veteran point guard would be the only getting sold short in this transaction.