It’s been a difficult 2023-24 NBA season for the Los Angeles Lakers. LeBron James’ frustration has become visible. The all-time great can’t even hide it in interviews anymore. This is not going well.
What’s going on here? James has been great: he’s 39 going on 25. Anthony Davis is having a fantastic season. The Lakers’ stars are performing up to expectations. How is this team outside of the playoff picture?
It’s the rest of the roster. The Lakers are lacking depth. This team needs to look into adding another impact player leading up to the trade deadline.
How about Malcolm Brogdon of the Portland Trail Blazers?
NBA Trade Proposal: Los Angeles Lakers Land Portland Trail Blazers’ Malcolm Brogdon
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: F Rui Hachimura, G Gabe Vincent, 2029 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Malcolm Brogdon
These teams could not be in more different places. It hasn’t been a difficult season for the Blazers. At the same time, they’re far behind the Lakers in the Western Conference standings.
That’s fine. There’s a youth movement underway in Portland. The Blazers are focused on the future. They don’t mind losing games at the moment – they’d prefer to maximize their lottery odds.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Malcolm Brogdon, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
On the other hand, the lottery is of no interest to the Lakers. They don’t even control their next pick. With James nearing retirement, the Lakers need to improve their championship odds.
Would acquiring Brogdon help?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
Certainly. James has had a lot of success in his NBA career. Typically, he’s had the most success alongside a dynamic guard who can catch and shoot. Oddly, the Lakers have not put James alongside such a player.
Yes, D’Angelo Russell is a solid playmaker. He’s still lacking in three-point gravity. Russell is a ball-dominant guard who’s at his best when operating the pick-and-roll. By contrast, Brogdon can space the floor and defend – he provides a lot more off-ball value.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Malcolm Brogdon, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Meanwhile, he can still make plays. Following this deal, the Lakers would likely start Brogdon and have Russell man the second unit. They could also try starting them together. Either way, they’re getting the best player in this deal.
Should the Blazers give Brogdon up?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
In all likelihood, the Blazers have always intended to trade Brogdon. They only acquired him to match Jrue Holiday’s contract. In all likelihood, he won’t be long for this roster
What should the Blazers seek in exchange for Brogdon? Ideally, they’ll receive some draft capital. Still, Brogdon may not fetch them an unprotected first. It’s a buyer’s market, and Brogdon has some injury concerns.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Malcolm Brogdon, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
So, a lottery protected first will suffice. Meanwhile, it’s coming with Rui Hachimura. He’s a young wing who could be part of the Blazers’ future. The Blazers should want him – even if they’re making the Lakers’ season easier in the process.
