LeBron James won’t be in the NBA forever. In fact, he may not be in it for much longer at all. After all, James has been in the league for a long time. He’s been atop of it for most of that duration.
With that in mind, there’s always been a clear formula for building around James. Teams have surrounded him with shooters and let him operate as a primary playmaker. With that said, the Lakers haven’t always stuck to that blueprint since James joined them. They’ve doubled down on size and defense around James. It’s hard to argue with the results.
The Lakers have won a title with James and made the Western Conference Finals last year. Still, they could use a knockdown shooter. how about Bojan Bogdanovic of the Detroit Pistons?
The Trade Proposal
Detroit Pistons Receive: F Rui Hachimura, F/C Jarred Vanderbilt
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F Bojan Bogdanovic
Yes, James has been the face of the NBA for almost two decades. He’s been a transformative superstar. Who will carry his mantle?
The Pistons’ own Cade Cunningham is a candidate. In fact, he bears some stylistic similarity to James. He’s a plus-sized playmaker with prodigious floor vision. On the other hand, he’s not the same type of athlete. Cunningham will have to work especially hard to reach James’ level.
Will Ausar Thompson? He’s got some similarities to James as well. He’s the same size and a comparable athlete. Still, Thompson has solid floor vision, but he’s not on the same level as Cunningham or James.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic, Los Angeles Lakers & Detroit Pistons Updates
Still, it bodes well for Detroit’s future that they’ve got two players who compare to James in that regard. What does this deal do for their future?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
This isn’t complicated for Detroit. They do this because they’re a rebuilding team, and it makes them younger. Granted, they’re likely trying to take a step forward in 2023-24.
This deal doesn’t help with that objective. In all likelihood, this is a win-now downgrade. Are we sure it’s the right move for the Pistons? Well, no. Still, the Pistons should be hunting wins that are earned by their young core.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic, Los Angeles Lakers & Detroit Pistons Updates
They don’t want to lean on Bogdanovic – he’s going to retire before this team’s core hits their prime. Here, they’re landing two solid players on their timeline. Should the Lakers give them up?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
Actually, this deal marks a departure from the plan for both of these teams. The Pistons may be looking to take a step forward. On the other hand, the Lakers have been looking to the future.
Over the last couple of years, the Lakers have been getting younger. With that said, we don’t know exactly why they’ve been going that route. Are the Lakers preparing for the future? Or, alternatively, are they preparing to make a winnow trade?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic, Los Angeles Lakers & Detroit Pistons Updates
If the latter, this is a good deal for them. Bogdanovic is an elite floor spacer who can create his own shot at times as well. In other words, he’s a perfect compliment to LeBron James. For that reason, the Lakers should target him. After all, James isn’t going to be around forever.
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