LeBron James is one of the best players in NBA history. According to some, he’s the all-time greatest. Even if you disagree, you can’t deny James’ greatness if you’re being honest with yourself.
Accordingly, there’s a blueprint for building around James. That makes sense. Teams have been building their rosters around James for his entire career.
By now, we should know how it works – surround James with spacing, and let him run the offense. It seems that the Los Angeles Lakers missed the memo.
This team has not provided James with enough spacing throughout his time with the team. Perhaps that’s why the Lakers have been so disappointing in 2023-24.
Could acquiring Bojan Bogdanovic from the Detroit Pistons help?
NBA Trade Proposal: Los Angeles Lakers Land Detroit Pistons’ Bojan Bogdanovic
Detroit Pistons Receive: F Rui Hachimura, F/C Christian Wood, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F Bojan Bogdanovic
If there’s a blueprint for building around James, there must be one for building around players like James, right? Any jumbo playmaker should benefit from being surrounded by shooters. Are the Pistons paying any attention?
After all, they have their version of James. Sure, it’s premature to crown Cade Cunningham as the next King. That isn’t the point. Cunningham is archetypically similar to James, so if the Pistons are going to help him reach his potential, they should build around him similarly.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
So far, they’ve failed on that front. The rest of this young core is talented, but it’s full of limited shooters. Realistically, Bogdanovic is the best shooter on this roster.
How could the Pistons move him?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
The Pistons shouldn’t be thinking about 2023-24. It’s already over. This season is wasted. As the deadline approaches, the Pistons should waive the white flag.
In other words, they’ve got no reason to hang onto Bogdanovic. Above all else, the Pistons should be looking to move him for draft capital. This distant pick from an aging Lakers team will be among the most valuable assets in the league.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Meanwhile, taking a flyer on Hachimura makes sense as well. He’s young enough to be part of their plans. Wood is largely here to make the money work, but his minimal contract won’t stop the Pistons from reuniting with him.
Should the Lakers facilitate that reunion?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
The Lakers may not be as disastrous as the Pistons, but they’ve had a disappointing season. James’ outstanding performance has made their mediocre record especially frustrating. Meanwhile, Anthony Davis has played like a superstar as well.
It’s the star duo’s supporting cast that’s problematic. The Lakers are lacking depth. They could use a secondary shot creator. If that creator were a knockdown floor spacer, that would also be helpful.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
That’s right: we just described Bojan Bogdanovic. He’d be a perfect addition to this roster. Bogdanovic is one of the best shooters in the NBA. If you’ve been paying attention, you know that means he’ll compliment James.
