Trade #1:
Bulls- Anthony Davis, Kendrick Nunn
Lakers- Vucevic, Patrick Williams, Coby White, 2027 Lottery Protected first
Bulls go all in on contending for a championsjip now by forming a big 3 of Lavine, Derozan, and AD. They gut their depth, but given that they are a big market with superstars, they should attract some FAs to sign for the minimum. Lakers move on from Davis, get a floor spacing 5 in Vucevic who is a dream fit next to Lebron, and get young pieces and assets in P.Will and Coby White to prepare for the future. K Nunn is the Bulls Coby White insurance on an expiring deal, and will be cheaper to extend.
Trade #2:
Knicks: Westbrook, Austin Reaves, two seconds
Lakers- Julius Randle, Kemba Walker, Alec Burks
Knicks free themselves from some bulky contracts (ESPECIALLY the horrendous Julius Randle one), and get a player in Westbrook who is on an expiring and can keep them competitive for this season to get fans in the arenas. This will free up some MAJOR cap space for NY down the line to spend in free agency. They a young player in Reaves and second-round picks as sweeteners.
Lakers flip Westbrook for some quality assets who can stay long term and help Lebron have a competitive team now. Randle as a second/third option I believe is much better, snd with Vucevic spacing the floor, he can be that secondary ball-handler who can attack the rim next to Lebron. Kemba is a good fit next to Lebron, is a guy who can space the floor, and can be another shot creating guard (who knows, maybe Bron can revive him lol).
Overall, the Lakers retool with pieces that fit well next to Bron while also preparing for the future, while also getting assets that prepare them for the future. The final lineup is:
PG- Coby White
SG- Malik Monk (Resign)
SF- Lebron James
PF- Julius Randle
C- Nikola Vucevic
Depth:
Kemba (6th man)
Alec Burks
THT
Pat. Williams
Dwight Howard (Resign)
Carmelo Anthony (Resign)
Stanley Johnson
FA
FA
FA
Basically, elite 3pt shooters around Lebron in the starting lineup + Randle as secondary ball handler, and shot creators and perimeter defenders off the bench.
Please leave thoughts below!