LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers are sliding fast in the Western Conference. They look stuck in quicksand. The Lakers could make a desperate move to add Michael Porter Jr. They could also land Chris Paul in the process.
The Lakers Could Land Chris Paul In A Michael Porter Jr. Trade
Los Angeles sit fifth in the West with a 24-15 record. They opened the season hot and stood 11 games over .500. The good vibes from their seven-game winning streak in November feel distant now. December treated the Lakers harshly. They dropped seven games.
The Lakers have several fatal flaws. The most obvious is their awful defense. They own a bottom-five unit on that end. A lesser but still debilitating flaw is their three-point shooting. They make threes at the eighth-worst rate. They still rank as a top-10 offense, sitting 8th.
Why Michael Porter Jr. Fits
This reality explains why the Lakers could pursue Michael Porter Jr. Brooklyn are rebuilding. They have shown a willingness to flip veterans for the right assets. They have made Porter Jr. available in trade discussions. He has played his way from distressed asset to highly sought-after scorer. Porter Jr. averages 26 points, over seven rebounds, and three assists. All are career-best marks for the eight-year veteran.
Two stumbling blocks stand in the way. First, GM Rob Pelinka would sacrifice future optionality this summer. Second, the Lakers would use most of their remaining draft picks. They could have up to three tradeable first-rounders if they wait until summer.
Still, adding Porter Jr. gives Los Angeles elite shooting. They badly need it. He is a proven winner. His rebounding at the four spot adds value. He will not solve their defensive issues. No single player can.
How Chris Paul Enters the Picture
The Lakers could also land Chris Paul in this deal. They could do so by expanding the Porter Jr. trade. Their crosstown rivals sent Paul home early from a road trip last month. Since becoming trade-eligible on December 15, they have struggled to find a partner for the 40-year-old.
The Lakers could step in and take him for little cost. They would round out a roster thinned by a Porter Jr. trade.
What the trade could look like
Lakers get: Michael Porter Jr., Chris Paul
Nets get: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber, 2032 first-rounder
Clippers get: Tyrese Martin
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