Lakers need to trade for $30M Clippers wing after Kawhi Leonard news image
The Los Angeles Lakers have to hope that the Los Angeles Clippers being fined and docked five first-round picks leads to some difficult decisions for the organization.
There's a lot at play here because Steve Ballmer is also dealing with a tough suspension, but only time will tell what the Clippers want to do. Regarding the Lakers, they have multiple players they could be interested in from the other Los Angeles team.
That includes Derrick Jones Jr., who Luka Doncic plays very well with. Recently, while predicting which guys could be dealt after the NBA's decision, a Sports Illustrated writer wrote that Jones could be available.
“Jones Jr. has put up nearly identical numbers through his first two seasons with the Clippers,” Zion Trammel wrote.
“He averaged 10.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, one block, and one steal per game. He started 45 games last year, but with the additions of Brandon Ingram and Rui Hachimura, Jones Jr. would likely have a reserve role. Like (Kris) Dunn, he provides valuable defense as a forward and is in the final year of his contract. He’s owed $10.4 million. If not before the season, teams will line up for Jones Jr. at the trade deadline.”
I'd really like to see the Lakers move on from certain players to get a player of Jones' caliber.
However, I also recognize that the Lakers aren't exactly equipped with a ton of assets, and if the Clippers are simply just trying to get as many picks and decent assets in return, especially after this saga, there will probably be better deals out there.
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