LeBron James’ manager, Rich Paul, presented a wild trade idea for the Los Angeles Lakers before the deadline, which was quickly quashed by LeBron James’ long-time friend, @CuffsTheLegend on X. Considering the lopsided offense the Lakers has been dealing with this season, the team management might look to add some crucial pieces to the puzzle if they aim to make a deep playoff run.
Even though Luka Doncic has been playing one of the best seasons of his career, leading the NBA in points scored (33.6), the Lakers have not looked comfortable thus far. In its last game against the Sacramento Kings, the team lost even though the Slovenian scored 42 points.
In light of that, Klutch Sports Group owner Paul gave a wild idea to the management, involving Austin Reaves. Discussing the Lakers’ current situation on the Game Over podcast, Paul said:
“If I was the Lakers, I would probably be targeting Memphis Grizzlies as the trade partner for Jaren Jackson Jr… You’ve got to figure out the package… If you’re able to trade out expirings and give up the last first-round pick you got, that could be one scenario.
“Or you can withhold that which comes with an unemotional attachment because Austin is beloved, which he should be. He is an underdog. There is a world where you can do best for both your team and Austin Reaves because he deserves to get paid right now.”
@CuffsTheLegend, who is believed to be a part of King James’ inner circle, outright denied the idea and wrote on X, with two laughing emojis:
“Jaren Jackson Jr who rebounds like a 5’8 point guard? Oh hell nawl man”
Reaves is indeed an asset for the Lakers, and he should be paid for the efforts he put in when nobody believed he could be an elite ball handler. He has built a great bond with the team, learned from LeBron James, and is ready to bear fruit for the team. Trading him at this point might not be viable.
On the other hand, Jaren Jackson Jr. is having a decent season thus far, keeping the Memphis Grizzlies afloat in the absence of Ja Morant. He is averaging 18.5 points and 5.6 rebounds, which can be debated for a 6-foot-10 forward.
Moreover, even though Morant is believed to be available in the trade market, the same can not be said about JJJ. The Grizzlies management seemed to be looking to restructure the squad around Jackson Jr., but Paul believed that he might not be interested in that.
Contrary to what Paul said, rumors suggest that the Lakers might be eyeing bolstering their frontcourt with a different option.
The Lakers might be in talks with Golden State Warriors for their next move
As per an update from NBA reporter Jake Fischer, the Lakers’ team management might be targeting Jonathan Kuminga of the Warriors. One more area in which Kuminga might add value is the bench points, which have been a lingering issue this season.
Giving an update, Fischer reported:
“The team’s known preference at this deadline is to acquire a true 3-and-D wing with size if possible to provide some point-of-attack resistance on the perimeter as well as some shooting, but it must be said the Lakers, according to sources, did call Golden State Warriors about Kuminga during the sides’ summer standoff in restricted free agency. I am told that the Lakers have likewise continued to monitor Kuminga’s situation while casting a wide net to try to find help on a very limited wing market.”
Jonathan Kuminga to the Lakers makes sense, as he will give head coach JJ Redick more options on the wing. While Jake LaRavia and Dalton Knecht have had one or two instances where they looked lethal offensively, their production has been unsatisfactory more often than not.
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