Are the Los Angeles Lakers trade rumors true? Supposedly, the team isn’t interested in making any more moves before the season starts. They are opting to ride with their current roster and see what the new team looks like.
Still, there are a few small Lakers trades that could vastly improve their roster going into next season.
One Lakers trade idea was proposed on FanSpo, and it could actually work. The trade looks like this:
Lakers trade: Maxi Kleber, Dalton Knecht
Orlando Magic trade: Wendell Carter Jr. and Jett Howard
This simple two-for-two trade could benefit both sides. The Lakers are picking up the best player in the trade in Wendell Carter Jr. He would be an incredible backup big man next to Deandre Ayton, balancing out some of Ayton’s close to the rim offensive play with some three-point shooting and defense.
The main problem for the Lakers is that they would be taking on more long-term money in this deal. The Lakers have said they want to stay flexible for next season’s free agency. They may be able to make a major trade to land Luka Doncic a star running mate.
Still, every season is precious, and the Lakers may need to strengthen their current roster if they are planning to contend this season. This trade would definitely make them better in the short term.
Kleber is such an injury risk and is a total defensive liability. Knecht isn’t much better on the defensive end and hasn’t exactly blown away the Lakers’ coaching staff over his short time in Los Angeles.
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If the Lakers don’t need to attach a pick, this is a trade they need to consider. This Lakers-Wendell Carter Jr. trade could help give the Lakers the defensive tools to contend for an NBA championship.
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