ClutchPoints’ Benedetto Vitale proposes a terrible Damian Lillard to the Los Angeles Lakers trade
Los Angeles Lakers fans have a humorous complex that has them firmly believing their supporting cast is not enough to provide the necessary assistance for LeBron James and Anthony Davis, while also fully regarding them as potential stars with enough value to land a max-level player in return.
Kyle Kuzma is one of the biggest victims, or benefactors, of this strange complex. Lakers fans constantly blame him for not being a consistent third-option behind LeBron and AD, but they somehow think he carries enough value to be the centerpiece in a trade for a player of Lillard’s standing.
ClutchPoints’ Benedetto Vitale is no stranger to this belief.
While Kuzma does have room to grow and has shown improvements in each season, he’s already 25 years old and probably won’t become anything more than a third-option.
Dennis Schroder will be a 28 year old sixth man next year. He’s a very valuable player that any team could use, but if he’s not even a starter for the Lakers, what more could he provide for the Blazers?
Montrezl Harrell is in the same boat as Schroder— a glorified sixth man already in his prime with scarce room left to grow before his head hits his ceiling.
The biggest problem with this trade offer is that Los Angeles can’t even trade a first-round pick until 2027.
The Lakers were able to make some offseason magic last year, upgrading on an already championship level roster. To expect them to do the same this offseason is ludicrous. With a healthy LeBron and AD back next year though, I have a gut feeling that the Lakers will be just fine.