Rules are made to be broken. That’s true in the NBA as much as anywhere else. For example, contending teams don’t typically target young players. Apparently, someone forgot to inform the Los Angeles Lakers this summer.
Look at the moves that this team made this summer. The Lakers signed Cam Reddish and Jaxson Hayes. They extended Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt. This team actively sought to get younger – even though they’ll be in the hunt for an NBA title next season.
What’s the plan here? It’s hard to say. The Lakers could be trying to bolster their best trade package for a star at this year’s deadline. On the other hand, they could simply be preparing for the future. IN that event, could they acquire Isaac Okoro from the Cleveland Cavaliers?
The Trade Proposal
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: F Taurean Prince, G/F Cam Reddish
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G/F Isaac Okoro
There are some commonalities between some of the players that the Lakers have acquired. Most of them are getting second chances. The Lakers seem to be interested in reclamation projects. Perhaps this is a means of acquiring young talent at a cheap cost.
Think about it. Cam Reddish has been wildly disappointing to begin his NBA career. Hachimura was on a fast track to perpetual mediocrity before joining the Lakers. Hayes has flashed some potential, but the New Orleans Pelicans didn’t seem eager to retain him as a restricted free agent. There is a trend here, and it’s worth keeping an eye on.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Isaac Okoro, Cleveland Cavaliers & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
If the Lakers made this deal, they’d be continuing that trend. Okoro hasn’t exactly thrived as a member of the Cavaliers. His inability to shoot has made him an offensive liability at times. Should the Lakers really be interested in him?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
Is it possible that the Lakers assume that young players will thrive alongside LeBron James? Consider it a working theory. James is one of the best leaders in NBA history – both on and off the floor. If the Lakers are interested in revitalizing young careers, having James on the roster should help them accomplish that goal.
The same could hold true in the case of Okoro. Sure, he’s struggled so far. With that said, he’s never had a playmaker like James setting him up. Okoro should get more open looks than ever on the Lakers. That could lead to a boost in his three-point percentage. Meanwhile, Okoro is also athletic enough to finish plays as a cutter alongside James as well.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Isaac Okoro, Cleveland Cavaliers & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
The Lakers may not want to rush into this deal. If they’re satisfied with their performance leading up to the deadline, they may want to hold steady. With that said, Okoro likely has the highest short-term upside in this group – he’d be an intriguing addition. Should the Cavaliers send him out?
Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Do The Deal
If Okoro is going to turn his career around, it doesn’t seem like it’s going to happen in Cleveland. This team has given him ample opportunities, and they haven’t made good on them. By now, it might be time for them to move on.
Moreover, Cleveland could use a wing with some size. That’s been a missing piece for this team for years now. Prince would qualify. He’s a big wing who can play both forward positions. Prince is a reliable shooter and a solid defender. This isn’t a star player, but he’ll fill a needed role for the Cavaliers.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Isaac Okoro, Cleveland Cavaliers & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Could Reddish? That’s hard to say. With that said, he should have the highest long-term potential out of this trio of players. If he can finally find his footing on the Cavaliers, they could win this deal by a landslide. As an aspiring contender, that could change the fate of this organization.
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