The NBA’s in-season tournament has been a success. At the moment, teams are preparing themselves for the Finals. There are plenty of surprises around the Indiana Pacers’ place in the Finals. On the other hand, nobody is shocked by their Western Conference opponent.
The Los Angeles Lakers are supposed to be here. Frankly, as fun as the tournament has been, it’s small potatoes to the Lakers. With LeBron James one Anthony Davis on their roster, the Lakers have an eye on the NBA championship.
Winning the league’s oldest tournament will be easier said than done. The Lakers have a lot of talent, but it feels like they might be a piece away. Another guard who can space the floor and make plays would help. How about Malcolm Brogdon of the Portland Trail Blazers?
NBA Trade Proposal
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: F Rui Hachimura, F/C Jaxson Hayes
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Malcolm Brogdon
Perhaps we shouldn’t be shocked to see the Pacers in the Finals of the in-season tournament. This team is on the rise. They’ve got a young, star point guard in Tyrese Haliburton and a solid roster around him.
That’s a position that the Blazers would like to be in before long. It’s not hard to see the blueprint. Scoot Henderson has franchise player potential. Moreover, there’s a lot of talent around Henderson on this team.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Malcolm Brogdon, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Most of it is young. Not Brogdon. This veteran guard is only on the Blazers’ roster by way of a trade they made this summer. Should the Blazers move him now?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
There’s no question as to whether the Blazers should move Brogdon. They’re widely expected to do exactly that. From the moment that Portland acquired Brogdon, there’s been speculation that they’d move him.
What should they seek in return? Ideally, they’d net a first-round pick. We’re not quite that optimistic. Brogdon is aging, injury-prone, and on a long-term contract. Teams may hold out for someone less problematic if they’re parting with a first-rounder.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Malcolm Brogdon, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
So, a couple of young players should suffice. Hachimura is approaching his prime, but he’s young enough to be part of this team’s timeline. Meanwhile, Hayes is comfortably young enough for this team. Should the Lakers part with their young duo?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
Brogdon may be aging and expensive. That doesn’t matter to a team who’s strictly concerned with the here and now. The Lakers fit that description. This team needs to do whatever they can do to maximize their title odds in 2023-24.
Granted, his injury concerns should matter to the Lakers. Brogdon can’t help the Lakers if he’s on the shelf. At the same time, that’s exactly why the Lakers are getting him at this price. Brogdon is surely one of the best players the Lakers can get without giving up a first-round pick.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Malcolm Brogdon, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
After all, he’s a two-way guard who can knock down triples and create plays for his teammates. Brogdon can play alongside D’Angelo Russell and back him up simultaneously. He’s also a perfect fit alongside James. If he stays healthy, the Lakers may be in another NBA Finals soon.
