Unsurprisingly, the Los Angeles Lakers have been involved in several mock trades this season.
The Lakers hope to strengthen their roster over time, and they could do so by targeting a gifted Milwaukee Bucks point guard.
According to an NBA Insider, the franchise would need to give up six assets, including a future first-round pick, to make it happen, but it’s an interesting trade to consider.
“If the Lakers can pull off this trade, they will assemble one of the most formidable trios in recent NBA history,” Fadeaway World’s Eddie Bitar wrote Sunday. “Damian Lillard brings instant firepower, averaging 27.3 points and 6.7 assists per game this season, along with an impressive 36.9% shooting from beyond the arc.”
“Known for his clutch performances, ‘Dame Time’ would provide the Lakers with a late-game closer to take pressure off LeBron James, who at 39 can now focus on facilitating and controlling the tempo without shouldering as much scoring responsibility.”
“Adding Lillard to a roster that already boasts LeBron and Anthony Davis would make the Lakers a matchup nightmare. LeBron, a four-time MVP and one of the best passers in the league would have a reliable scoring partner in Lillard to complement Davis’ dominant inside presence. “
“Anthony Davis is having a stellar season himself, averaging 32.4 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game, proving he’s still a top-tier two-way threat. With Lillard on board, the Lakers would be capable of running multiple offensive sets, blending perimeter shooting with inside dominance in a way few teams could counter.”
Milwaukee only has two wins attached to their name so far this season, but Lillard is off to a blazing start to the year.
The Weber State product is a Top 20 scorer and assist man on the Doc Rivers-led Bucks. Known for his signature right-handed punch dribble on the perimeter, Lillard possesses the straight-line acceleration, attention to detail, and manipulation tactics required to terrorize defenders regularly.
With an elite scorer and reliable improviser in Lillard occupying the starting point guard position in Los Angeles, opposing teams would struggle to slow down the Lakers’ high-powered offense.
However, a trade for Lillard would only be plausible if the Lakers completed an obligatory signing before pursuing the 2013 NBA Rookie of the Year.
“Damian Lillard is making $48,787,676 this season while MarJon Beauchamp is on $2,733,720,” Bitar added. “The Lakers are sending D’Angelo Russell ($18,692,307), Austin Reaves ($12,976,362), Jarred Vanderbilt ($10,714,286), and Max Christie ($7,142,857) to make the numbers work.”
“The team would need to sign Mays from Fenerbahce for exactly $2,709,870, an offer the point guard would be happy to take to make this deal work all around.”
If the Lakers genuinely want to make a splash this season, they’ll do what it takes to acquire the eight-time All-Star.