Lakers predicted to trade Bronny James to Clippers for $60M former first-rounder in 3-team deal image
The Los Angeles Lakers still don’t have their roster completely figured out with the season quickly approaching. There are several positions that need to be addressed, and one starting spot remains open unless they can make a move happen.
The starting spot that is currently vacant is the power forward position. The Lakers have had a difficult time finding a player through trade who can fill that role.
“Then, there is the power forward position. This is the last domino among the starting lineup that really does not have full clarity just yet. There are certainly players internally, and even externally, who could fill the vacancy,” Lake Show Life’s Svyatoslav Rovenchuk wrote.
At some point, Bronny James could also find himself on the trade block. Lake Show Life’s Tyler Watts believes the Lakers should consider moving him if he doesn’t fit well alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
“The Los Angeles Lakers should look to trade Bronny James if his shooting improvement proves to be a fluke. There were positive signs of growth, but it is not linear. If he reverts to being a below-average shooter, the Lakers need to move on. His shooting is a swing skill, and the pressure is on Bronny to keep improving his game if he wants to stick in Los Angeles for years to come,” Watts wrote.
If the Lakers wanted to move on from James, they could potentially do so now. Heavy.com’s Adel Ahmad proposed a three-team deal that would send James to the Los Angeles Clippers, while the Lakers would acquire Isaiah Stewart and the Memphis Grizzlies would receive Dalton Knecht, Adou Thiero and draft capital.
“Lakers receive: Isaiah Stewart and a 2033 second round pick (via LAC). Grizzlies receive: Dalton Knecht, Adou Thiero and a 2031 second round pick (from LAL, via WAS). Clippers receive: Bronny James,” Ahmad wrote.
This would be a significant trade for the Lakers because it would give them another option at power forward while also allowing them to move on from James. It could also bring an end to the lengthy Jonathan Kuminga pursuit and allow Los Angeles to focus on building around its current core.
Stewart is currently on a $60 million contract with the Grizzlies. This is the type of deal the Lakers could seriously consider if they believe he can immediately help the roster. Los Angeles would be giving up young, unproven talent in exchange for a player who could provide more immediate production.
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