Generally, NBA stars fall under two categories – shot creators and playmakers. When a player is both, they’re typically a superstar. Take LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers – he can create shots for himself and others. That’s what makes him one of the best players in NBA history.
With that said, every shot creator isn’t a star. Take Norman Powell of the Los Angeles Clippers. Powell is talented – we’re not taking that from him. He can create his own shot. He doesn’t do it regularly enough to be considered a star player.
Meanwhile, every playmaker isn’t a star, either. For example, the Lakers’ D’Angelo Russell falls a bit short of that mark. He’s a talented playmaker, but you couldn’t build a strong NBA offense around him. Could the Lakers flip him for Powell?
The Trade Proposal
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: G D’Angelo Russell
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G/F Norman Powell, 2024 Second-Round Pick (TOR via LAC), 2030 Second-Round Pick (LAC)
So, teams look to balance shot creators and playmakers. The best teams in the NBA usually have some of both. Meanwhile, sorting out the difference between the two can resemble an LSAT question.
Technically, all shot creators are playmakers. In a literal sense, they are making plays. Are all playmakers shot creators? Not necessarily. A player with elite floor vision can set up teammates, but he can’t always create his own shot. Is your head spinning yet?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Norman Powell, LA Clippers & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Ultimately, having a wider range of abilities is always beneficial. The more ways that an offensive player can break down a defense, the more valuable they are. Should the Lakers trade one type of creator for another?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
Frankly, this has been a conflict for the Lakers for as long as they’ve rostered James. Throughout his storied career, he’s typically been paired with a star offensive guard. For example, Kyrie Irving had all of James’ bases covered. He was the Cleveland Cavaliers’ best shot creator and a secondary playmaker behind James.
Meanwhile, the Lakers opted to pair James with an elite two-way big. We can’t argue with the results – James and Anthony Davis won a title together. Still, this formation has led to constant questions about how the Lakers should assemble their backcourt. Should James be getting secondary playmaking from a guard? If that guard isn’t a shot creator, will the duo work?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Norman Powell, LA Clippers & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Time will tell. If the Lakers find themselves leaning on Russell’s playmaking throughout the year, they’ll want to hang onto him. On the other hand, if his limited shot creation hinders his fit alongside James, they could look for a different sort of guard. Powell can create his own shot, and that could make him a better fit here. Is Russell the right fit for the Clippers?
Why The Los Angeles Clippers Do The Deal
For the Clippers, the inverse is true. This team has plenty of shot creation. Kawhi Leonard can create his own looks, and so can Paul George. On the other hand, they’re missing a more reliable source of playmaking.
Yes, they have Russell Westbrook. “Reliable” isn’t a word we’d use to describe him in recent years. Westbrook could play well for the Clippers, but in all likelihood, they’ll still be looking for another point guard to add to their rotation. Russell could be perfect.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Norman Powell, LA Clippers & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
He can’t pressure the rim like Westbrook – that’s largely what holds Russell back as a shot-creator. Still, he’s a smart guard with good passing instincts who would complement the rest of this roster. In the end, it might make sense for LA’s two teams to swap a playmaker and a shot-creator – even if neither is a star.
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