NBA Rumors: One Trade That Every Team Should Make On Draft Night
By Mason McFee
Los Angeles Lakers
LAL gets: Trevor Ariza
Dallas gets: Lou Williams
HOU gets: J.J. Barea, Devin Harris
The Lakers are a rebuilding squad, but it doesn’t mean they won’t take risks, especially with the crosstown Clippers stealing the spotlight in recent years. While this move isn’t a ‘splash’, it does makes sense.
Trevor Ariza was a part of the 2008 Lakers Finals squad. He’s familiar with Los Angeles, and had his highest scoring season average that year as well. On a very affordable deal for what services he provides, the Lakers could use some stable, veteran leadership; and if the Lakers draft Ingram, would allow Ingram to come off the bench until he starts to bulk up some more.
Dallas is always on the fringe of making the postseason, but their bench play typically falters. This is a Mark Cuban move – providing Dirk with another solid veteran player in hopes of giving him the best team possible to compete. Williams can become the Human Torch some nights if he’s got it going.
While moving Harris and Barea to Houston would make many Mavericks fans sad as they are both fan favorites, Houston is seemingly always looking to take fliers on veteran point guards instead of developing a rookie, or you know, drafting one to begin with. While both are a bit undersized, they would help bring some peace into a very warlike atmosphere that was the Houston locker room last season.
Next: Phoenix Suns