A 3-Team Trade Proposal to Strengthen the Los Angeles Lakers: Adding a Center and Shifting Anthony Davis to Power Forward
The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most iconic franchises in NBA history, but recent seasons have seen their roster evolve in the wake of LeBron James’ arrival in 2018 and subsequent championship in 2020. However, the team has faced challenges with consistency and injuries, especially to key players like Anthony Davis. Davis, a versatile big man, has been deployed as the center for much of his Lakers tenure, but this role has left him vulnerable to injury and has limited the team’s potential in certain matchups. With the Lakers looking to add more stability and strength to their lineup, especially in the frontcourt, this article proposes a 3-team trade scenario that would benefit both the Lakers and their trading partners.
The trade would focus on bringing in a legitimate center, allowing Davis to shift back to his natural position as a power forward. This move could address some of the Lakers’ key weaknesses, such as rebounding, rim protection, and depth in the paint. By strategically navigating a 3-team trade, the Lakers could improve both offensively and defensively while also freeing up cap space for future moves.
Trade Scenario: Lakers, Bulls, and Spurs
Los Angeles Lakers Receive:
- Jakob Poeltl (C, San Antonio Spurs) – A strong, defensive-minded center who can protect the rim, rebound, and finish around the basket.
- Lonzo Ball (PG, Chicago Bulls) – A dynamic point guard who can improve the Lakers’ perimeter playmaking and defense.
Chicago Bulls Receive:
- Russell Westbrook (PG, Los Angeles Lakers) – The former MVP who brings elite athleticism, rebounding, and playmaking to the Bulls’ roster. His contract is set to expire soon, which could open up cap space for Chicago moving forward.
- Coby White (PG, Chicago Bulls) – A young guard who could be a valuable contributor for a rebuilding team like the Lakers.
San Antonio Spurs Receive:
- Talen Horton-Tucker (SG/SF, Los Angeles Lakers) – A young and talented wing who could help the Spurs’ rebuild, with the potential to develop into a versatile two-way player.
- Patrick Beverley (PG, Los Angeles Lakers) – A defensive-minded veteran who can add grit and leadership to the Spurs’ backcourt while providing mentorship to their younger players.
Breaking Down the Trade
Jakob Poeltl to the Lakers
Jakob Poeltl, the 7-foot center for the San Antonio Spurs, is an excellent choice to address the Lakers’ need for a traditional center. Poeltl is a defensive anchor in the paint, capable of protecting the rim and blocking shots at a high level. He has averaged over 2 blocks per game in recent seasons, making him one of the league’s most effective shot-blockers.
One of the Lakers’ biggest concerns in recent years has been their lack of a true center. With Davis often playing the five, the team has had to rely on smaller lineups, which has left them vulnerable against teams with dominant bigs. By acquiring Poeltl, the Lakers would gain a legitimate center who can set solid screens, rebound, and alter shots in the paint.
Poeltl’s presence would allow Davis to move back to his natural position at power forward, where he has historically been more comfortable and effective. Davis is a much more dangerous offensive player when he can operate from the mid-range, face up to the basket, and stretch the floor. With a defensive stalwart like Poeltl manning the center position, Davis can focus on scoring, rebounding, and guarding opposing forwards without being forced into the physical grind of playing center.
Furthermore, Poeltl’s ability to finish around the rim on pick-and-rolls and as a rim protector would bring an added dimension to the Lakers’ defense. The Lakers’ defense has been one of their strongest suits in recent years, but Poeltl would only bolster that strength, particularly against teams that rely on strong interior play.
Lonzo Ball to the Lakers
Lonzo Ball, a former Laker, would provide a major boost to the Lakers’ backcourt. Ball is a highly skilled point guard known for his elite passing, basketball IQ, and perimeter defense. His ability to facilitate and set up plays would make him an ideal fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, giving the Lakers a true point guard who can control the tempo of the game.
Lonzo has made significant improvements to his shooting, particularly from deep, which would be crucial for the Lakers, who have struggled with shooting in recent seasons. Ball’s 3-point shooting has steadily improved, and his willingness to take on a secondary scoring role would allow LeBron and Davis to focus more on offense without worrying about the ball-handling duties.
Defensively, Ball is an elite perimeter defender who can guard multiple positions, which would allow the Lakers to have more flexibility in their rotations. His size (6’6”) and quickness would make him a disruptive force on the defensive end, and his length would allow him to contest shots and get into passing lanes.
Ball’s return to the Lakers would add a layer of depth and versatility to their backcourt, especially in a system that often requires multiple ball handlers. Additionally, Ball would allow the Lakers to give LeBron more time at the small forward position while managing his minutes at point guard.
Russell Westbrook and Coby White to the Bulls
For the Bulls, acquiring Russell Westbrook would provide them with a high-profile veteran who can offer leadership and scoring. Westbrook is still a capable scorer and playmaker, and while his fit with the Lakers hasn’t been ideal, he could thrive in a situation where he is the focal point of the offense.
Westbrook would give the Bulls an explosive guard who can create his own shot, drive to the rim, and facilitate for his teammates. While his shooting efficiency has been a concern in recent years, Westbrook’s energy and passion for the game would be a welcome addition to a team like the Bulls, which could benefit from a jolt of athleticism and veteran presence.
Coby White, on the other hand, is a promising young guard who has shown flashes of brilliance for the Bulls. He has solid scoring ability and could provide depth in the backcourt for the Lakers, especially as a secondary playmaker. White’s development could help balance the Lakers’ roster and provide an additional option for scoring when needed.
For the Bulls, this trade also creates financial flexibility moving forward. Westbrook’s expiring contract could allow Chicago to free up cap space for the future, while adding White provides a young, cost-controlled asset.
Talen Horton-Tucker and Patrick Beverley to the Spurs
The Spurs’ interest in acquiring Talen Horton-Tucker and Patrick Beverley would help them with their rebuilding efforts. Horton-Tucker is a talented young wing with the potential to become a solid two-way player. He has shown flashes of scoring ability, particularly in isolation situations, and his defensive potential is also noteworthy.
Beverley, though more advanced in age, provides valuable leadership and toughness, both on and off the court. His defensive prowess and ability to disrupt opposing offenses would be a great asset for a young team like the Spurs, which is in the midst of a rebuild. Beverley’s veteran presence would help mentor the younger players and instill a defensive mindset throughout the organization.
The Spurs could also use this trade to acquire additional draft picks or assets, positioning themselves for a brighter future while adding some experienced veterans to their roster.
