The Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to big-name free agents in the past. The latest rumor is that they may also be interested in Harrison Barnes and Buddy Hield. Would either player provide enough value for the Lakers to give up on a potential trade package?
The Lakers are looking to trade for two players in the NBA. One of which is Buddy Hield and the other is Harrison Barnes. The two players would be a huge asset to the Lakers team. Read more in detail here: nba rumors: lakers.
With nearly a quarter of the season completed, now is the time for teams to begin serious self-reflection.
There are teams clamoring for a change all throughout the NBA, and the Lakers, Kings, and Sixers are certainly at the top of the list.
Each of the teams described above has a deadly fault that is holding them behind in the battle for the championship, whether it’s controversy with their star player or just a badly formed squad.
Zane Harris of LakeShow Life suggested one trading situation in a recent piece that might alleviate a variety of issues.
The Ben Simmons debacle in which the 76ers have been embroiled is that black cloud. Because things look to be irreconcilable between the two parties, the 76ers must remove him off the roster. Simmons has also damaged his own trade value by demanding a move and refusing to play until he is dealt, implying that any club interested in acquiring him would be able to do so at a discount.
Russell Westbrook, Davion Mitchell, a 2026 Lakers first-round selection, a 2023 Kings first-round pick, and a 2025 Kings first-round pick would be sent to Philadelphia in this deal. Ben Simmons and Danny Green would be sent to Sacramento. Harrison Barnes and Buddy Hield would be sent to the Lakers.
The trade would effectively offer each club exactly what they need, with the additional advantage of finally putting a stop to the Ben Simmons drama.
But what would such an agreement imply for each of the parties involved? Let’s take a closer look at all of the moving pieces and see why this seems like such a wonderful idea.
Harrison Barnes and Buddy Hield are on their way to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Russell Westbrook, Davion Mitchell, and Ben Simmons have been acquired by the Philadelphia 76ers. 2023 2025 Kings First-Round Pick 2026 Kings First-Round Pick First-Round Pick of the Lakers Ben Simmons and Danny Green have been acquired by the Sacramento Kings.
With two offensive wings, the Los Angeles Lakers are able to solve their shooting problems.
Rob Pelinka had the brilliant idea of reverting to the strategy that helped his side win the championship in 2020 after they were eliminated in the first round in May. He welcomed back a number of ex-Lakers over the following several weeks, including Rajon Rondo and Dwight Howard. Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony, and Kent Bazemore are among the new players he has brought in that match the same style.
The plan was to rely on size, defense, and a little more shooting to improve on the mark they established two seasons ago.
Instead, their defense has been sluggish, and their shooting has been poor. With 11.7 3-pointers per game, the Lakers are in 20th place this season. They are also in the center of the pack in terms of efficiency, currently ranking 13th in the league.
Despite Laker Nation’s understandable outrage, it’s becoming evident that the Westbrook experiment isn’t working, and although getting rid of him so soon is definitely not a desirable result, it could be worth the media hit if it means obtaining Harrison Barnes and Buddy Hield.
Hield, who is 28 years old, is one of the top shooters in the NBA. On a 37 percent efficiency, he’s making almost four per game. He’d be able to stretch the floor and flourish off of LeBron’s and AD’s open shots. Barnes is also a noteworthy addition. He’s a versatile two-way player who can do about everything on the court.
Giving up a star is never easy, but if you’re the Lakers, any move that adds strong, shot-making wing men is worth considering.
To complement Joel Embiid, the Philadelphia 76ers have added a proven playmaker and scorer.
At this point, Daryl Morey’s hopes and aspirations of a Lillard/Embiid reunion are probably more imagination than reality. Ben Simmons’ trade value has plummeted in recent months, and there won’t be many clubs ready to part with much in exchange for his talents. That isn’t to say that all hope is gone.
Russell Westbrook, as imperfect and unpredictable as he can be at times, is a competent substitute for Ben. He can score in every situation, create opportunities for others, and, most importantly, he will not hesitate to take open shots beneath the basket.
While Westbrook isn’t a sniper, he is a superior shooter (particularly from mid-range) than Ben, which might be all the Sixers need to move up in the East.
Meanwhile, Davion Mitchell has showed glimpses of incredible talent and is another young player the Sixers might groom for the future.
In the end, Philly will have to trust that Russ and Embiid will be able to learn how to play together and optimize their on-court chemistry, something their current star pair has yet to do.
At the very least, the three first-round selections acquired as part of the transaction will come in handy if they decide to blow it all up.
The Sacramento Kings have finally gotten their hands on a franchise centerpiece.
After a promising start, the Sacramento Kings’ season has taken a turn for the worst, with the video of a courtside fan vomiting during a game becoming the season’s hallmark moment.
They’re 8-14, and things aren’t looking up. Meanwhile, rumors regarding trade demands continue to circulate. Why not get ahead of the game by beginning anew and getting their next franchise star as soon as possible?
Simmons, 25, has shown to be a challenging and complicated player, yet many overlook his incredible potential. He averaged 16.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8 assists per game on 58 percent shooting in the 2019-20 season. He’s a skilled finisher, a gifted playmaker, and one of the league’s finest individual defenders.
The Kings might easily turn things around for the poor franchise if they give the man time to establish his bearings and surround him with proven shot-makers.
The addition of Danny Green, a career 42 percent three-point shooter, is an extra plus for that reason alone.
All of this isn’t even taking into account De’Aaron Fox, whose combination with Simmons might make the Kings one of the most entertaining teams in the Western Conference.
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