The Lakers and Nuggets have developed one of the greatest rivalries of the 2020s so far, facing off in three playoff series, with a championship to each of their names. But what if they decided to set this aside for the betterment of both teams
NOTE: Lakers 2029 pick is top 5 protected. Lakers 2031 pick is inprotected.
Why the Lakers do this:
The Lakers are coming off of four straight disappointing seasons under LeBron James since the 2020 championship. However, the team has managed to build some solid depth, with such players as D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Max Christie headlining the supporting cast behind LeBron and Anthony Davis. These players can’t all be on the court at once and some ought to be exchanged for some top-level talent should the Lakers have a chance at contending in 2025.
In this deal, the Lakers manage to acquire two of the best role playing wings in the league in Cam Johnson and Michael Porter Jr. This sets up a starting group of James, Reaves, Porter, Johnson, and Davis that is as good as any in the NBA. Max Christie’s role expands and Dalton Knecht gets a chance to carve some minutes for himself. Roster spots are opened for backup big men from free agency such as Boban Marjanovic who can fill the Dwight Howard role from the 2020 team. If the Lakers are to contend this season, this trade is their best chance at doing so.
Why the Nuggets do this:
Since winning the 2023 championship, the Nuggets have lost key role players Bruce Brown and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Denver has quickly transformed into one of the shallowest teams in the NBA. This move aims to add some potential bench pieces in Russell, Vincent, and Hachimura while opening up more opportunities for young guys such as Julian Strawther in the absence of Porter Jr.
Why the Nets do this:
Cam Johnson is well ahead of the Nets timeline and they should cash in on his value while it is at its highest. The 2031 Lakers pick is the main attraction of this deal for Brooklyn as the franchise will surely have lost James and likely Davis by that time with very few potential replacements in the organization. However, Jarred Vanderbilt is an underrated asset for a team like Brooklyn. In a larger role on a rebuilding team, his defense could shine through while he develops offensively. Vanderbilt could be a real breakout candidate on a rebuilding team (think Pistons Jerami Grant). The Nets also give a second chance to an awful Jalen Hood-Schifino to see if there is any value left to be squeezed out of the former lottery pick.
What do you think of this trade? Who accepts, who passes, and what would be the results of each team’s season if this went through? I’m looking forward to the discussion in the comments!