Over the Top Trade Proposal

[ecuhus1981]

Hello all, I'm a Nets fan and I come in peace.

I'm examining rosters of all teams to make conclusions on how they'll fare in the coming season. For me, the Lakers will have the best regular season record in the league at 62-20 (Nets at 61-21). Your defense is stellar even without fully healthy stars, because Vogel is gifted at scheming, instructing and making the most of his personnel.

However, in the playoffs, I see a potentially fatal flaw. Without a playmaker who can stretch the floor, the spacing will get crowded as opposing defenses learn your habits. If Russ or Lebron gets red-hot, you'll be fine, otherwise I think LA is primed for a disappointing upset.

You have made smart free agent signings, but that can only provide window dressing in a playoff series. You own few youth assets, and there aren't many players who can raise your ceiling available via trade. The one player that I see fitting the bill is Kevin Huerter.

He can be your off-ball sniper, or he can be a primary facilitator when the stars are off the court. He is due a big raise in restricted free agency next summer, but Atlanta has a ton of big contracts already. Trae, Bogdan, Deandre, John and Clint are the established starters. With Lou Williams, Danilo Gallinari, Cam Reddish and now Jalen Johnson signed for multiple years, are the going to commit to another expensive backup?

Here's my suggestion: Gasol/26LAL1st/28LAL1st for Huerter

What do you think? Spending future picks can get risky, but I think a move like this could push you guys through a tough series, and provide s bridge to the future. I welcome all feedback, and hopefully see y'all in the Finals!

[Slava]

Lakers aren't going to go too deep into the luxury tax to keep Huerter either and unless Westbrook exercises his player option and re-signs for less over more years, Huerter would be too expensive to retain.