When something isn’t working, you’ve got to change it. The same holds true for an NBA team. Eventually, they may need to come to grips with an uncomfortable reality: this isn’t working.
This season, the Los Angeles Lakers had to accept that fact. They’d tried to make LeBron James and Russell Westbrook work as a duo. It simply wouldn’t. Westbrook’s inability to shoot made him a poor fit alongside James. As a result, the Lakers moved him at the deadline – and improved as a result.
Lesson learned, right? James thrives alongside elite floor spacers. With that in mind, the Lakers could look to add another one at some point this season. How about CJ McCollum of the New Orleans Pelicans?
The Trade Proposal
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: G D’Angelo Russell, G/F Gabe Vincent, F Taurean Prince
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G CJ McCollum
In fact, the James/Westbrook experiment points to some broader questions about team building. What is the ideal setup for an NBA team?
It’s easy enough to say that the Lakers need to surround James with spacing. To an extent, it’s true. The Lakers would pair James with a defensive big, and a roster full of 3-and-D specialists. It would be effective. James’ usage rate would skyrocket, and the Lakers would win plenty of regular season games.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: CJ McCollum, Los Angeles Lakers & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Would they win a championship? That feels doubtful. Even LeBron James is human – in time, that astronomical usage rate would wear him down. James needs a secondary playmaker. Would McCollum be the right choice?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
Well, in theory, this is why the Lakers acquired Westbrook in the first place. James needed a secondary playmaker, and Westbrook is capable of carrying a huge load. Still, James’ secondary playmaker should also be able to space the floor. That’s why they acquired Russell.
So, he’s a better fit alongside James than Westbrook. That doesn’t mean he’s an ideal fit. Russell is more inclined to shoot off the dribble than off the catch. He’s also a pick-and-roll dominant point guard. Ideally, the Lakers would pair James with more of a combo guard.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: CJ McCollum, Los Angeles Lakers & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
In other words, a player like McCollum. He’s capable of making plays for himself and his teammates when need be, but he can also operate as an elite off-guard. If the Lakers aren’t satisfied with their performance leading up to the deadline, they should like this deal. Should the Pelicans?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
In some respects, Zion Williamson is similar to James. He’s not comparable as a playmaker, but he’s solid in that area. Meanwhile, he may be even more effective at collapsing the defense in the paint.
So, the Pelicans should want the same players around him, right? Sure. With that said Williamson is frequently injured. We’re not sure what the Pelicans will do moving forward. Given that uncertainty, they ought to value financial flexibility.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: CJ McCollum, Los Angeles Lakers & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
That’s what this is all about. McCollum is on a long-term contract, and he’s arguably overpaid. Here, the Pelicans are flipping him for three contracts that are significantly more manageable. Whether they think what they’re doing is working or not, that’s a solid move.
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