Lakers trade proposal swaps two players and a first-round pick for $90 million All-Star to pair with Luka Doncic originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Los Angeles Lakers have many flaws on both sides of the basketball court, but the hope is that with Luka Doncic in the short and long term, they can address many of them by making the right moves.
Unfortunately for the Lakers, those right moves won’t be as easy as they sound, as teams are going to be looking for multiple assets to ensure they get the proper returns for the players the Lakers view as very good.
One player who could make a major impact in Los Angeles is Jarrett Allen, and after the season the Cleveland Cavaliers just had, getting swept in the Eastern Conference Finals by the New York Knicks, there’s definitely a feeling that Allen could be available. However, the recent trade proposal might be a bit expensive for Los Angeles to consider.
Los Angeles Lakers receive: Jarrett Allen
Cleveland Cavaliers receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Jake LaRavia, unprotected 2031 first-round pick
“For Los Angeles, this move is about solving a problem that has existed for years. The Lakers have consistently searched for a reliable defensive anchor who can control the paint without demanding touches offensively. Allen checks every box…
“Allen’s impact goes beyond shot blocking, though. His presence would allow perimeter defenders to pressure opposing ball handlers more aggressively. Defensive rotations become simpler. Transition defense improves. Rebounding becomes a strength instead of a concern. Those are exactly the qualities championship teams need,” Enzo Flojo wrote.
The only problem here for me is giving up a first-round pick. The Lakers don’t have many future first-round picks at all, and with all the changes to the draft lottery, second-apron problems, and more, first-round picks have become more valuable than ever.
At the same time, there’s no debate that Allen is going to require giving up at least one first-round pick, as he’s an All-Star-caliber starting center. I also think he can fit very well with Doncic, as the MVP candidate year in and year out has proven that he loves playing with centers who can make plays at the rim on both sides of the court.
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