The recent history of the Los Angeles Lakers has been fascinating. Few teams in the NBA have undergone such a transformation. Granted, any rebuilding team is entertaining the idea of eventually trading all of their young core for a superstar. With that said, they’re not expecting LeBron James to sign with them while they’re still rebuilding.
That’s what happened to the Lakers. Chalk it up to Lakers exceptionalism. This is one of the best brands and biggest markets in the league. Typically, a superstar player will want to join the Lakers. James was that superstar. After he signed with them, trading their young core for Anthony Davis was an obvious decision.
With that said, the Lakers gave up a lot of players who’d go on to have excellent careers. Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Larry Nance Jr., and Josh Hart have all been stellar since leaving LA – and of course, so has Julius Randle of the New York Knicks. Could he eventually reunite with the Lakers?
The Trade Proposal
New York Knicks Receive: G D’Angelo Russell, F Rui Hachimura, G Jalen Hood-Schifino, C Jaxson Hayes, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F Julius Randle, C Isaiah Hartenstein
The recent history of the Knicks has been quite different. While the Lakers have been defined by what they’ve done, in some respects, the Knicks have been defined by what they didn’t do. This team almost made moves, and consistently declined to follow through.
New York was supposed to roster Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. In the end, the star duo would spurn the Knicks to join their city rival Brooklyn Nets. Then, the Knicks were supposed to trade for Donovan Mitchell. The Cleveland Cavaliers beat them to the chase. How has it all worked out for New York?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Julius Randle, New York Knicks & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Pretty well. The Knicks advanced to the second round of the playoffs last season. This team has stayed competitive while keeping all of their assets. Is now really the time to move Randle?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
This proposal is fuelled by some recent speculation. Randle just left CAA for WME sports. Why does his change in agency matter? Well, CAA is closely affiliated with Knicks president Leon Rose.
Does that mean Randle is leaving New York? Not at all. Still, it opens the door for speculation. Meanwhile, this isn’t the first time we’ve speculated about the possibility of the Knicks trading Randle. As talented as he is, he’s wildly inconsistent. Randle’s production varies from game to game – and season to season. Here, the Knicks are deciding that they’ve finally had enough.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Julius Randle, New York Knicks & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
They may take a step backward in the process. Still, they’d be increasing their asset base. This first-round pick is especially valuable – it’s distant, and the Lakers are aging. Throw in intriguing young players like Hachimura and Hayes, and this could entice the Knicks to move on from their star forward. Should the Lakers take on such an inconsistent player?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
Randle may be inconsistent. That could be a consequence of him being overtaxed. He’s been the first option in New York, and Randle may not be qualified for that role. On the other hand, he’d be among the best third options in the NBA. That’s the role he’d have on the Lakers.
Meanwhile, Randle is a subpar defender. That wouldn’t be a huge concern in Los Angeles. Anthony Davis is among the best defensive anchors in the league. He’d be able to cover for any limitations Randle has on that end of the floor. On the offensive end, Randle would make the Lakers a much more dynamic team.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Julius Randle, New York Knicks & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
In fact, he’d be so impactful that they wouldn’t miss Russell too badly. Randle is a comparable playmaker. Finally, he’d be directly replacing Hachimura in the starting lineup. All told, this deal should make the Lakers a better team. In time, it could help them hoist their second Larry O’Brien Trophy in recent history.
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