How This Trade Impacts Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are likely pivoting away from the idea of trading Russell Westbrook given how well he has played since coming off the bench. The team is playing better overall, as well, with Westbrook commanding the second unit. However, Los Angeles still needs to make a deal to improve this roster.

Limited in options, especially if they are going to hold onto their future first-round picks, Rob Pelinka has to get creative. Taking on some longer-term money could save them from needing to give up draft capital in a deal.

This trade with the Philadelphia 76ers helps them accomplish just that. Matisse Thybulle is a very talented defender, which the Lakers could use more of on the wing. If he could regain his shooting form from his rookie season, when he made 35.7 percent of his 3-point attempts, he would be a big upgrade for the Lakers.

Furkan Korkmaz would provide the team with a spark plug scorer on the wing. The Lakers’ offense has been abysmal and Darvin Ham was giving minutes to Matt Ryan earlier this season looking for a spark. Korkmaz could certainly fill that role as a shooter.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Matisse Thybulle, Philadelphia 76ers & Los Angeles Lakers Updates

Jaden Springer was a first-round pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. He is currently sidelined with a quad injury, but lacking any long-term building blocks, taking a shot on Springer would be a free lottery ticket for a Lakers team lacking draft picks.

For the price of Patrick Beverley, this is a worthwhile trade to make. Even incremental improvements can be huge for this team and the 76ers’ trio would certainly present them a chance to fill some more holes on the roster.