One NBA writer has proposed that the Los Angeles Lakers acquire Kevin Porter Jr. from the Houston Rockets. Lee Tran of Fadeaway World is proposing that the Lakers trade Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Max Christie and two future draft picks to the Rockets for Porter Jr.
“Porter Jr. is clearly a solid scorer, and his shooting will be highly useful next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis,” Tran wrote. “Porter Jr. has some experience playing off-ball as well, as he has had to play with other ball-dominant stars such as Jalen Green already.
“This deal for the Lakers is simply about taking a gamble on the talent that Porter Jr. possesses. It is a relatively low risk in the sense that the team wouldn’t have to give up much value to acquire him. They would have to give up minor draft compensation to get the deal done, but the upside with Porter Jr. could be immense.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kevin Porter Jr., Houston Rockets & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Porter Jr. appeared in 59 games for the Rockets last season. He averaged 19.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists while shooting 44.2% from the field, 36.6% from beyond the arc and 78.4% from the free-throw line. The lefty recorded nine double-doubles and one triple-double.
The 23-year-old Porter Jr. has career NBA averages of 15.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Rockets. He signed a four-year, $63.4 million rookie-scale extension with Houston in October 2022. Porter Jr. will make $15.9 million next season.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kevin Porter Jr., Houston Rockets & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
The Rockets have a crowded backcourt with Fred VanVleet, Jalen Green and Amen Thompson in the fold, so Porter Jr. may be expendable. The Lakers, who got swept by the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 Western Conference Finals, could benefit from trading for Porter Jr., who is a talented scorer and playmaker.
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