Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal - The Blazers may not want to lose youthful and effective guard Anfernee Simons, but they may be concerned about the future of their backcourt talent, which includes Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Simons, potentially leading to a defensive catastrophe. The Blazers may rationalize trading Anfernee Simons for assets like good first-round selections from an older Lakers squad, while the Lakers should contemplate giving up their draft capital.
PG: SCOOT HENDERSON / MALCOMN BROGDON / DALANO BANTON / ASHTON HAGANS / GABE VINCENT
SG: DALANO BANTON / MALCOMN BROGDON / MATISSE THYBULLE / JUSTIN MINAYA
SF: JERAMI GRANT / MATISSE THYBULLE / KRIS MURRAY / TOUMANI CAMARA / JUSTIN MINAYA / RUI HACHIMURA
PF: JABARI WALKER / TOUMANI CAMARA / JERAMI GRANT / MATISSE THYBULLE / KRIS MURRAY / RUI HACHIMURA
C: DEANDRE AYTON / DOUP REATH / JABARI WALKER / IBOU BADJI / JERAMI GRANT / RUI HACHIMURA
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal - LeBron James is expected to depart the Los Angeles Lakers this summer, despite his wish to stay. The Lakers need to strengthen their squad to handle Lebron James' retirement and generate shots. Anfernee Simons is an ideal third star to complement Lebron James and Anthony Davis, and his departure might alter the Lakers' standing in the NBA. The team must make improvements to ensure Lebron James' career longevity.
PG: D'ANGELO RUSSELL / SPENCER DINWIDDIE / AUSTIN REAVES / SKYLAR MAYS / LEBRON JAMES / ANFERNEE SIMONS
SG: AUSTIN REAVES / MAX CHRISTIE / CAM REDDISH / SPENCER DINWIDDIE / JALEN HOOD-SCHIFINO / ANFERNEE SIMONS
SF: LEBRON JAMES / CAM REDDISH / TAUREAN PRINCE / MAX CHRISTIE
PF: TAUREAN PRINCE / CHRISTIAN WOOD / LEBRON JAMES / ANTHONY DAVIS
C: ANTHONY DAVIS / JAXSON HAYES / CHRISTIAN WOOD / COLIN CASTLETON