The youth movement is underway in Los Angeles. When an NBA team is contending, they typically seek veterans. Not the Lakers. This team has spent the summer making sure they had plenty of young talent on their roster.
The Lakers signed Jaxson Hayes and Cam Reddish. They retained Rui Hachiimura and Jarred Vanderbilt. This is interesting. The Lakers are bucking longstanding NBA trends. What’s the plan here? Are the Lakers priming for a midseason trade?
It’s possible. On the other hand, they could also see the merit in putting young legs around LeBron James. Moreover, the Lakers could be preparing for the future. James is nearing retirement, after all. If the Lakers are sincerely looking to add young talent, could they make a move for Immanuel Quickley of the New York Knicks?
The Trade Proposal
New York Knicks Receive: F Taurean Prince, 2029 First-Round Pick (Swap – LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Immanuel Quickley
With that said, all young players are not created equally. They’re not all equally equipped to contribute to a contender, either. A long-term project with high upside would not be an appropriate target for a team looking to win an NBA title. Have the Lakers avoided those types of players?
Mostly. Hachimura was a no-brainer. He was a major contributor to this team’s Conference Finals run last season. Hachimura is ready to contribute. So is Vanderbilt – although he wasn’t key to their playoff rotation, he’s got a ready-made skillset. Hayes is a low-usage player who can protect the rim and finish pick-and-rolls.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Immanuel Quickley, New York Knicks & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Reddish might be an exception. Yet, the Lakers surely have a low usage role envisioned for him. If he can function as a 3-and-D wing, the Lakers will be glad to have him. Is Quickley ready to contrbitue to a contender?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
Absolutely. Quickley is on a different level than any of the players we’ve named here. There’s no question that this would be a win-now upgrade for the Lakers that also arms them with an exciting young player moving forward. The only question is whether Quickley is the right fit for this roster.
We think he is. The Lakers could use a guard who can create his own shot. D’Angelo Russell is a dynamic playmaker, but he’s not a world-beater as a scorer. Gabe Vincent is more of a low-usage 3-and-D wing. By contrast, Quickley can beat defenders in half-court sets to generate his own offense.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Immanuel Quickley, New York Knicks & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Is he worth this price? That will depend on how the Lakers are performing. If Prince has been a key contributor and the Lakers are rolling, they’ll pass. Otherwise, acquiring Quickley would be worth their time. Should the Knicks part with him?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
Quickley is a great player. Apart from his offensive abilities, he’s a stout defender as well. That’s exactly why he’s going to get paid next summer. With that in mind, the Knicks are looking to avoid paying him here.
That’s part of their calculus. With that said, the Knicks could also be happy to add Prince. He’s a solid 3-and-D wing who will crack this team’s rotation. He’s a free agent next summer too, but unlike Quickley, he shouldn’t be due for a massive pay raise.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Immanuel Quickley, New York Knicks & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Still, the Knicks are looking to add a future pick swap more than anything here. Swapping rights with an aging Lakers team that’s low on assets is especially valuable. It’s entirely possible that the Lakers will be in the lottery by 2029 – unless one of their young players breaks out, of course.
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