RealGM

Lakers get CJ, Alvarado
Alvarado, CJ, Vando, LeBron, Davis -- Gabe, Reaves, Christie, Hayes
Lakers get a couple guard upgrades and free up a spot for a free agent signing, would need to be a big wing (Hayward or Bey).



Pelicans get DLo, Rui, Wood, LAL26swap
Murray, Herb, Ingram, Zion, Wood -- DLo, Hawkins, TM3, Rui
Pelicans get more size at non-C positions and they get a stretch big to open up the floor for Zion.
They get a 2026 swap option with Lakers.
Importantly the get $21m in expirings which will help them pay to keep Ingram and TM3 next summer.

I'll always like McCollum, but surely he's not the answer.

Tim Lehrbach wrote:I'll always like McCollum, but surely he's not the answer.

I think Lakers need a perimeter iso scorer that is an upgrade on DLo. That was quite clear these last 2 playoff runs. Reaves and LeBron is all Lakers had to rely on. CJ is probably a good option but finding the fit is awkward with Reaves.
Alvarado, CJ, Reaves, LeBron, Davis could be a decent closing lineup.

At this price, that should be an effortless yes for the Lakers, even if the Pels don't attach Jose

I don't think the Pelicans and Lakers are likely trading partners given the AD bad blood either.

I'm in the minority of Pels fans that want's CJ traded.

I'd do this & sign Tyus Jones to replace Jose.

(BI for a C) - Wood - Missi
Zion - Rui
Murphy - D-Lo
Herb - Hawkins
Murray - Jones

I would really want to know who the center is before agreeing to this.

If Orlando is willing to trade WCJ for DLo and a first.. Or Portland willing to trade Ayton for the Lakers duo and a first.. Or Brolo/Portis..

But I don’t think you trade both Ingram and CJM unless you’re getting a new second/third option back, so think I’d need that center trade locked in this deal.