The Los Angeles Lakers need a trustworthy superstar point guard to hold down the fort in the backcourt.
An exhilarating Charlotte Hornets stud yearning to play for a big-market franchise could be on the Lakers’ radar.
“The Los Angeles Lakers have always swung big for stars,” Sports Illustrated’s Ryan Stano wrote Friday. “That’s something they have been known for in their history.”
“Usually, it’s because they are signing a big free agent. In this trade proposal, it would be trading for a big-time star.”
“After considering the CBA and using the Spotrac trade machine, this is what it looks like (Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, Dalton Knecht, a 2029 first-round draft pick, a 2030 first-round draft pick swap, and a 2031 first-round draft pick to the Hornets for LaMelo Ball).”
“The Lakers have a big issue with a lack of ball-handlers now that D’Angelo Russell has been sent to Brooklyn.”
“That puts a lot of pressure on LeBron James and Austin Reaves in the starting lineup to create offense not just for themselves, but everyone else as well.”
“Adding Ball would give the Lakers a dynamic passer who can also create offense for himself. He’s a point guard who takes the scoring burden off of James and Anthony Davis during the regular season.”
“It would allow them to kind of coast until the playoffs get closer. The argument against this trade is the fact that a move like this takes away all of the depth from the team.”
“Shipping out Hachimura, Vincent, and Knecht would cripple the bench. Three first-round picks are also a steep price to pay for a win-now move.”
“Ball also comes with a significant risk of injury. He has had ankle issues throughout his career and has played more than 51 games just once in his five-year career.”
“To give up that much for someone who misses so much time on the court is a massive risk.”
“Ball also comes with a significant risk of injury. He has had ankle issues throughout his career and has played more than 51 games just once in his five-year career.”
“To give up that much for someone who misses so much time on the court is a massive risk.”
Ball is one of the most exciting young players in the NBA.
From confidently firing passes into tight windows on the run to playing Dance Dance Revolution with defenders on the perimeter, Ball consistently proves he’s a unique offensive talent.
However, like New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson, Ball’s health has been a massive concern lately, missing many games due to various injuries.
Still, if the Lakers want to explore a trade for the young standout guard averaging 30 points per game, they would have to do so by reluctantly cutting ties with a promising rookie wing in Knecht.