When there’s a commonly accepted way to build around an NBA player, you know they’re one of the greats. That means we’ve seen several teams make all their decisions based on this one player.
That’s not a luxury that’s afforded to mediocre talents. Take LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers. Some will tell you that he’s the best player in the history of the sport.
Meanwhile, there’s been a longstanding blueprint for building around James. Generally speaking, teams have surrounded him with knockdown three-point shooters.
The Lakers have been the exception to that rule. Granted, they’ve had some success by prioritizing the defense around James instead. Still, it feels like they’d benefit from acquiring a knockdown shooter.
How about Luke Kennard of the Memphis Grizzlies?
NBA Trade Proposal: Los Angeles Lakers Land Memphis Grizzlies’ Luke Kennard
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: G Gabe Vincent, F/C Jaxson Hayes
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G/F Luke Kennard
We’re not blaming the Lakers exactly. Sure, there’s a time-tested formula for building around James. Here’s the problem: James is not timeless. He is a mortal human being like anyone else.
What worked before won’t necessarily work now. In his prime, James was among the best defenders in the NBA. He didn’t need any protection in that regard.
You could put a weak defender alongside James so long as they could shoot. That may not be the case anymore. Sure, James can still lock opponents down – at times.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Luke Kennard, Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
At his age, he needs to conserve some energy occasionally. Still, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t need shooting around him.
Should the Lakers give this package up for Kennard?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
When the Lakers signed Vincent this summer, they were once again prioritizing defense over shooting. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to provide much of either.
Due to injury, Vincent has hardly been able to get on the floor for the Lakers in 2023-24. In other words, they won’t miss him. They may not miss Hayes, either.
He hardly plays for the Lakers, either. Hayes is healthy – the Lakers don’t seem to trust him. By contrast, they should trust Kennard.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Luke Kennard, Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
After all, he’s having a down year – and he’s still shooting above league average from long range. Kennard is one of the best shooters in the NBA.
Should the Grizzlies part with him?
Why The Memphis Grizzlies Do The Deal
The Lakers may not miss Vincent or Hayes. That doesn’t mean that the Grizzlies couldn’t use either. We think they could use both.
Hayes feels like the most potentially significant addition. This team needs some size at the 5 with Steven Adams missing the year due to injury. Hayes can provide it.
He offers some interior defense and rebounding that Memphis desperately needs. Still, the Grizzlies don’t have a long-term backup for Ja Morant. Derrick Rose is nearing the end of his career.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Luke Kennard, Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Once he gets healthy, Vincent could satisfy that role for the Grizzlies. They’ll hope that Morant emerges as the type of player you can build a team around.
