The Los Angeles Lakers have been one of the most intriguing teams in the offseason. After being presented as one of the most active teams in trade discussions, the Purple and Gold have been very hesitant to pull the trigger on any potential moves thus far.
The Lakers have made some interesting additions to their team. The signing of Jake LaRavia helped the Purple and Gold strengthen their wing depth. Meanwhile, the re-signing of Jaxson Hayes helped the Lakers solidify their frontcourt rotation.
The most significant signing thus far has been the addition of Deandre Ayton to address their need for a starting big man. With a capable center in their rotation, the Lakers have fulfilled one of their primary goals in the offseason, but the process of roster construction can't end here.
As the need for signing reliable wing players arises, the Purple and Gold have continued their search for the right candidates. With this in mind, we present a potential trade idea that could significantly improve the Lakers' wing depth while also boosting their defensive prowess.
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Jerami Grant, Matisse Thybulle
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, 2032 second-round pick
A deal with the Trail Blazers may not currently be on the radar, but the potential outcome of it could be largely beneficial for the Lakers.
The addition of Jerami Grant and Matisse Thybulle would have a massive impact on the Lakers' wing depth. Although the departure of Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt would be an unfortunate one, Grant and Thybulle are arguably more effective defenders overall.
In such a scenario, Grant would effectively step into the role of Hachimura in the starting lineup, and in many ways, could even outperform him.
Last season, the Trail Blazers forward recorded an average of 14.4 points with 3.4 rebounds per game while shooting 37.3% from the field and 36.5% from beyond the arc. These numbers may not stand out at first. But it is important to note that the 31-year-old missed a large portion of the season due to injury.
This aspect of the forward may be a concern for the Purple and Gold. But in the scenario that he can remain healthy for a decent portion of the season, the Lakers may have a versatile defensive player who is more than capable of creating shots for himself.
The addition of Thybulle is more significant in improving the team's bench strength. The departure of Dorian Finney-Smith has created a need for veteran defenders on the perimeter, and the Australian could fit the bill perfectly.
Early in his career, Thybulle earned two All-Defensive team selections. Although health issues have hobbled him since, the forward remains a capable presence on the roster.
Thybulle played in 15 games last season and recorded an average of 7.5 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. These figures may not spark much inspiration, but his average of 2.2 steals per game represents valuable defensive upside. At 27 years old, the Blazers forward is still capable of being a significant contributor to the Lakers' defensive effort, albeit in limited minutes.
This deal also benefits the Trail Blazers in some way. While there is no indication of what the Blazers' plans are, the team may benefit from acquiring two expiring contracts in the form of Rui Hachimura and Gabe Vincent.
Reports have indicated that the Lakers are most likely to part ways with Hachimura this offseason. A trade of this nature gives the forward a great chance to impress in a different system.
After a season of averaging 13.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, Hachimura has displayed that he is a capable offensive threat, along with a solid defender. Given his consistency on both ends of the floor, the Trail Blazers may benefit from having a reliable and durable forward to add to their frontcourt rotation.
The addition of Vanderbilt is similar in this regard. Although the Lakers forward has struggled with injury, he is expected to enter the next season in good health, suggesting a more positive outlook.
Vanderbilt is a limited offensive player, with averages of 4.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. But his length and athleticism allow him to guard multiple positions. This is an asset that doesn't appear on the stat sheet and could prove to be of great value to Portland if they intend to use him.
Meanwhile, acquiring Vincent simply adds some veteran depth to Portland's backcourt. But given the kind of talent they have available to them, especially with the recent addition of Jrue Holiday, the Blazers may simply wait for his contract to expire.
The addition of the 2032 second-round pick would only serve to increase the team's overall wealth of draft capital. Although Portland hasn't leveraged them yet, it certainly puts them in a solid position to acquire new talent via trade.
The Lakers' Path Forward
At the current juncture, it is abundantly clear that while the Lakers are going to be a competitive side in the West, they will not be contenders.
With severe shortfalls in talent across multiple positions, the Purple and Gold may succumb to the challenges of the long regular season, especially considering how competitive the Western Conference has become.
This presents a bleak outlook for the franchise, particularly due to the current ultimatum placed upon them by LeBron James. Should the team fail to construct a title-contending roster, James is expected to demand a trade.
Although a trade may not be an available option, a buyout remains more likely. As James' intentions to play for a contender become the driving force for the Lakers' offseason practices, it is becoming increasingly more challenging to determine what lies in store for the Purple and Gold.
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