The Los Angeles Lakers are projected to be among the most active teams in the NBA ahead of the trade deadline. This time around, the front staff will strive to put the roster in a better position to succeed before the postseason begins.
The Lakers can compete in the Western Conference right now, but they don’t have a good chance of coming out on top. According to many sources, Los Angeles is considering adding a center to bolster its frontcourt depth.
With LeBron James and Anthony Davis as their partners, the team might also try to blow things up and add another elite player. In a hypothetical transaction, Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints suggested that the Lakers acquire a star player from the Philadelphia 76ers.
The 76ers are given a 2029 first-round pick, a 2031 first-round draft pick, guard D’Angelo Russell, forwards Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and Cam Reddish.
Although it would be a huge loss to trade both draft picks for George, it would be worthwhile to include the multiple All-Star in the lineup. George would provide Los Angeles with a skilled scoring wing who can also play defense, as well as another star to work with.
George is superior than the Lakers’ current defense, even though it isn’t as good as it once was. Los Angeles would be able to better position themselves going forward with the addition of their third star.
Due in part to injuries, Philadelphia has had a difficult start to the season. They have suffered in the standings as a result of George and the other three of their best players missing time due to injuries.
His history of injuries would be the largest drawback to any George contract. Los Angeles is aware of this and probably wouldn’t want to sacrifice so much for him.
However, it does make sense to acquire someone like George to maximize their potential with the James-Davis duo. Rob Pelinka, the general manager of the Lakers, will have to consider the advantages and disadvantages of making such a transaction, but Los Angeles does require some additional firepower.
The 76ers are unlikely to move George this early in his career, but stranger things have happened. A dramatic deal like this could be viewed by Philadelphia as a way out, with the Lakers serving as their lifeboat.
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