Sunny Los Angeles. Who wouldn’t want to be there? By all accounts, it seems that NBA stars like going to L.A. as much as anyone else. With two teams in the city, we see star players in Los Angeles regularly. James Harden of the Philadelphia 76ers would like to be there. Specifically, he’s angling to join the Clippers. That’s understandable. What about the Lakers?
Harden’s relationship with Sixers GM Daryl Morey appears to be damaged beyond repair. Meanwhile, his fit alongside Kawhi Leonard and Paul George makes perfect basketball sense.
Does that mean he’ll land there? Not necessarily. The Clippers seem unwilling to include Terrance Mann in a package for Harden. That makes it feel like they’re not entirely interested in the star guard in the first place. Could the Los Angeles Lakers step in and acquire him?
NBA Trade Proposal – Los Angeles Lakers Land James Harden
Philadelphia 76ers receive: G D’Angelo Russell, F Rui Hachimura, G/F Cam Reddish, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers receive: G James Harden
With that said, the shoe is on the other foot here. Typically, it’s the Lakers that draw the stars. The Clippers have historically been the also-rans. Why hasn’t Harden requested a trade to the Lakers?
After all, they’re historically the city’s dominant franchises. It’s hard to stop once you start listing NBA legends that played on the Lakers.
Jerry West is the league’s logo, and he’s not typically on the top of the list. Shouldn’t Harden want to make his legend in the purple-and-gold?
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Sure. On the other hand, the basketball fit is better with the Clippers. More broadly, these aren’t the Clippers of yesterday. This team has been in the mix for the NBA title for years. Should Harden join the Lakers instead?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
The basketball fit may be better with the Clippers. That doesn’t mean that it’s poor with the Lakers. LeBron James needs help with secondary playmaking. Russell can offer some, but let’s be honest – he can’t help like Harden could.
Meanwhile, Harden’s ball dominance shouldn’t be an issue. Russell is better on the ball as well – he’s simply not as effective as Harden. James struggled to play alongside Russell Westbrook because Russell didn’t space the floor.
Harden is a fantastic shooter. He and James should be able to figure out a lethal offensive dynamic. That’s not to say that there are no risks involved here. Harden will have to adjust his game to fit alongside James.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Still, if he can, this deal gives the Lakers a much higher ceiling than they currently have. Should the Sixers help them raise their ceiling?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
The Sixers may have to take what they can get. Harden is on an expiring contract. In case you forgot, the Clippers aren’t even willing to risk Terrance Mann to acquire him. This team isn’t going to get a superstar’s return for Harden – even if he’s still a superstar.
With that in mind, this deal should work then. It’s been reported that the Sixers mostly want draft capital for Harden. They’re only getting one pick here, but it’s an especially valuable one.
The Lakers are rapidly aging – this distant pick will be among the most coveted assets in the NBA. Otherwise, the Sixers are getting some useful players here. Russell is a solid playmaker who should fit nicely with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Hachimura would be a valuable addition to their rotation as well. This is a good deal for the Sixers – even if it forces them to send Harden to sunny Los Angeles.
