The Los Angeles Lakers have been a fascinating team for the past few years. A team has never undergone such a dramatic change in the NBA.
Rebuilding teams entertain the notion of eventually trading their young core for a superstar. Although they’re still rebuilding, they don’t expect LeBron James to sign with them.
This is what happened to the Lakers. There’s no denying the Lakers’ exceptionality. Only a few brands like this are in the league, and it has one of the biggest markets. The Lakers usually attract superstar players. That superstar was James. The decision to trade their young core for Anthony Davis was evident after he signed with them.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Julius Randle, New York Knicks & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
However, the Lakers gave up a lot of players who went on to have excellent careers. The Knicks’ Julius Randle and Brandon Ingram have been stellar since they left LA – as have Lonzo Ball, Larry Nance Jr., and Josh Hart.
Is it possible that Randle could rejoin the Lakers in the future? We created an NBA trade proposal involving the New York Knicks and Lakers that could make it happen.
NBA Trade Proposal – Los Angeles Lakers Land Julius Randle
New York Knicks Receive: G D’Angelo Russell, F Rui Hachimura, G Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F Julius Randle, F/C Isaiah Roby
It has been quite a different story for the Knicks in recent years. In some respects, the Knicks have been defined by what they didn’t accomplish, while the Lakers have been defined by what they’ve accomplished.
This team almost made several moves but failed to follow through on them. As far as New York was concerned, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving were supposed to be signed. Instead, the two superstars joined the Knicks’ inner-city rival, the Brooklyn Nets.
Next, the Knicks were linked to trade rumors involving another NBA All-Star: Donovan Mitchell. The Cleveland Cavaliers instead pulled off the move despite Mitchell’s childhood Knicks fandom and being a New York native. How has New York fared in all of this?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Julius Randle, New York Knicks & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Quite well, actually. In last season’s playoffs, the Knicks reached the Eastern Conference Semifinals before losing to the Miami Heat. All of this team’s assets have remained intact while keeping them competitive. Does Randle need to be moved now?
Why New York Knicks Do This Deal
Some recent speculation has sparked this proposal. Randle recently left CAA to join WME Sports. Is it alarming that he changes agencies? Leon Rose, the president of the Knicks, is closely affiliated with CAA.
Are Randle’s plans to leave New York? No, not at all. However, it leaves room for speculation. In the meantime, we’ve speculated about Randle’s possible trade before. His inconsistency matches his talent.
Randle’s production has peaks and valleys from game to game and season to season. In this NBA trade proposal, this would be the moment when the Knicks decide they have had enough.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Julius Randle, New York Knicks & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
There is a possibility that the Knicks would take a step backward in the short term by making such a move. The general idea would be to continue stockpiling assets as a team. This would allow them to trade for a future superstar seeking a scenery change. Since the Lakers are aging, this first-round pick is precious.
The Knicks may consider moving on from their star forward if they add both Hachimura and Hayes to the mix. Is it a good idea for the Lakers to take on such an inconsistent player?
Why Los Angeles Lakers Do This Deal
Inconsistency may be a problem for Randle. Perhaps he is overburdened by the size of his role with the Knicks. Likely, Randle isn’t qualified for that role in New York since he’s been the first choice there.
As a third option, he would be among the best in the NBA. On the Lakers, he would play that role. With Randle’s improved shooting in recent years, he could space the floor while being another option that can take tough shots. It doesn’t hurt that he has the necessary size and power to punish smaller defenders, adding to Los Angeles’ frontcourt threat.
Randle, however, is a subpar defender. As far as Los Angeles is concerned, that wouldn’t be an issue. Few defensive anchors in the league are better than Anthony Davis, if any. In that regard, he could compensate for Randle’s limitations.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Julius Randle, New York Knicks & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
A dynamic team would be formed with Randle on the offensive side. He would make such an impact that Russell would not be missed too much. There is a similarity between Randle and Randle in terms of playmaking. As for his starting position, he would replace Hachimura directly.
As a whole, the Lakers should be a better team after this deal. With time, they may win their second Larry O’Brien Trophy. Remember, Los Angeles is running out of time to do so with James.
