The Los Angeles Lakers have been getting younger. That’s not how an NBA contender typically operates. More often, a contender targets veterans. The Lakers have been bucking the trend.
Look at their recent acquisitions. The Lakers retained Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, and Jarred Vanderbilt this summer. They signed Cam Reddish and Jaxson Hayes. The youth movement is afoot in Los Angeles. What’s motivating this team? Well, we can think of a few explanations.
The Lakers may be preparing for a midseason trade. On the other hand, they may see some value in putting young legs around their key veterans. Could it be both?
Could the Lakers make a midseason trade for a quality young player? If so, could they target Cole Anthony of the Orlando Magic?
NBA Trade Proposal — Los Angeles Lakers Land Cole Anthony
Orlando Magic Receive: G Gabe Vincent, 2029 First-Round Pick (Top 5 Protected – LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Cole Anthony, F Chuma Okeke
The Orlando Magic couldn’t get much younger. They’ve been rebuilding for a few seasons now. So, they’ve been taking the opposite route as the Lakers.
The Magic got a little bit older in free agency this summer. Specifically, they signed Joe Ingles. Some thought that they overpaid for him. We respectfully disagree.
Sure, teams weren’t lining up to give Ingles this contract. He’s worth this money to Orlando. He’s a heady veteran with the exact skillset that they need. Where else should the Magic be spending their money? After all, most of their key players are on rookie deals.
LATEST NBA TRADE RUMORS: Cole Anthony, Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
By the time Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner need extensions, Ingles will be off the books. Orlando made a wise decision by taking on an older role player who fits their roster nicely.
Would it be a wise decision to trade Anthony?
Why The Orlando Magic Do This Deal
The Magic have one of the brightest futures in the NBA. This team is stacked with exciting young talent. With that said, there are issues to iron out. The Magic have a surplus of young guards – and many of them have overlapping weaknesses.
Between Markelle Fultz, Jalen Suggs, Anthony Black, and Cole Anthony, Orlando has too many lead ball-handling guards with limited shooting. Ironically, Anthony is the best shooter of that punch.
At the same time, he’s the weakest defender, which seems pivotal to Orlando’s emerging identity. He may be the odd man out. If so, this is a good deal for them.
LATEST NBA TRADE RUMORS: Cole Anthony, Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Vincent could be a more useful off-ball guard for Orlando. If he isn’t, that’s fine. The Magic are doing this deal more than anything else for a lightly protected distant first.
Should the Lakers give that pick-up for Anthony?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do This Deal
The Lakers may be preparing for the future. They shouldn’t lose sight of the present. LeBron James, against all odds, has still looked like himself this preseason.
The Lakers have a title window, and they need to capitalize on it. Anthony could help. This is the type of shot-creating guard that has typically thrived alongside James. Anthony is a combo guard, too.
The Lakers may continue to start D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves, and they could give Anthony ample minutes off the bench alongside either. He could be a meaningful addition to this roster.
LATEST NBA TRADE RUMORS: Cole Anthony, Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Okeke could be, as well. He’s far from a star, but he is a solid defensive wing offering a little shooting. Often, those types of role players find newfound success alongside James. Moreover, Okeke is still reasonably young. That’s a selling point for the Lakers.
