The Los Angeles Lakers could use a boost on the wings moving forward, especially as the storied franchise nears the post-LeBron James era.
At 41 years old, the 22-time All-Star and 4-time NBA champion will soon be concluding his 23rd campaign, creating a gargantuan need for a young, two-way presence at small forward to support 6-time All-Star Luka Dončić.
Los Angeles has yet to be informed of James' clear-cut plans for the immediate future. With that being said, general manager Rob Pelinka could use the coming offseason as an ideal time to make a short-list of trade options.
In fact, Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz recently suggested that a rising three-and-D talent from the Houston Rockets could be a shoe-in to replace James as the Lakers' starting small forward if the future Hall of Famer decided to explore his options as an unrestricted free agent.
"We'd like to see Eason in an expanded offensive role, as much of his time with this Rockets squad is spent standing in the corner while waiting for the ball," Swartz wrote Saturday.
"He'd be an immediate starter with the Chicago Bulls, Brooklyn Nets, or Los Angeles Lakers if LeBron James leaves as a free agent as well."
Though he'd be a great get for two rebuilding groups in the Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets, Eason's potential fit with the Lakers alongside Dončić is undeniable.
The 6-foot-8 forward has become one of the NBA's fastest rising three-and-D wings due to his unexpected explosion in outside shot-making this season. He's drained a career-best 40.2% of his 4.6 attempts from three-point range while maintaining his reputation as a wildly versatile defender, registering a 111 defensive rating per 100 possessions.
Eason's clear two-way ability has helped the Rockets notch a 39-24 record and position as the Western Conference's No. 4 seed through 63 games, but the impending restricted free agent will be aiming to land a rich new deal with a franchise who believes he'll impact winning for the foreseeable future.
Whether James decides to either call it a career or move on to another franchise this summer, the Lakers might have a shot to fill his spot with Eason via sign-and-trade. In that case, Jarred Vanderbilt's $11.6 million salary and others would likely be thrown together to bring the difference-making wing with All-Defensive Team potential aboard.
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