With the NBA trade deadline approaching, it’s time for some last-minute deals. The Lakers have been burning up the phone lines like an old lover trying to make something happen. All Lakers’ fans hope they are talking to Orlando about Dwight Howard. In the meantime, here are five wild trade scenarios that may not be likely, but that I’d love for the Los Angeles Lakers to consider (by position):
1) Point Guard (Derek Fisher)
Lakers get: Mo Williams
Los Angeles Clippers get: Derek Fisher and Steve Blake
The Clippers have struggled since losing Chauncey Billups and an experienced champion point guard like Derek Fisher might fill that position nicely. Of course, Fisher, too, has a reputation for making big shots. Blake is there to make the numbers work and, besides, he’s already been a Clipper, recently, so that would be a smooth transition back into Vinny Del Negro’s system. As for the Lakers, 29 is not 37, so clearly Williams give them younger legs at the point guard position.
2) Shooting Guard (Kobe Bryant)
Lakers get: LeBron James and Mike Miller
Miami Heat get: Kobe Bryant and Andrew Goudelock
I’m not saying it’s the best idea, but even Wilt Chamberlain was traded (twice).
The Heat look great in the regular season, again, but will their post-season struggles return? Remember, LeBron is now 0-2 in the Finals. Kobe is 5-2. The Lakers upgrade with a youthful superstar, and the Heat upgrade by getting possibly the best closer in the game today, which might help them win a few titles NOW. And sure, they don’t play the same position, but does that really matter? Wade and Bryant would make a scary backcourt for Miami. For the Lakers, just give LeBron the ball and let him run the show. Coach Mike Brown obviously knows LeBron’s game and how to build a winning team around him.
3) Small Forward (Metta World Peace)
Lakers get: Andrew Bogut and Stephen Jackson
Milwaukee Bucks get: Pau Gasol and Luke Walton
You typically have to give up something to get something in NBA trades, hence the use of Gasol, who was already emotionally hurt by the league-nixed Chris Paul deal, here as a trading chip. This relieves some cap room for the Lakers and provides them with serviceable pieces at center and small forward/shooting guard. Bryant, although he has battled Jackson on the court, would appreciate him for his strong-will and determination. For the Bucks, it delivers Brandon Jennings a solid and, most importantly, healthy running mate in Gasol.
4) Power Forward (Pau Gasol)
Lakers get: Marcin Gortat, Jose Calderon, and Jared Dudley
Phoenix Suns get: Pau Gasol
Toronto Raptors get: Steve Blake, Shannon Brown, and Sebastian Telfair
Admittedly, this does less for Toronto, but with all the new guards, the trade does not affect their projected wins much. Since the Suns are into collecting All-Star relics (Steve Nash, 38, Grant Hill, 39, and Michael Redd, 32), they should like Gasol. Besides, he still some has good years left. And, c’mon, the combo of Gasol and Nash would be something special, no matter how old they are. For the Lakers, this is a cost-effective move that addresses multiple problems: point guard, 3-point shooting, and the Gasol situation.
5) Center (Andrew Bynum)
Lakers get: Dwight Howard
Magic get: Andrew Bynum
The Lakers need Howard in the purple and gold; the Magic cannot lose Howard for nothing. Numbers-wise, a straight-up swap works, but there are a number of ways this could be drawn up. The Lakers, however, do not want to get saddled with Hedo Turkoglu’s contract, or do something silly like letting of two bigs for one. And, to be honest, I think that’s what’s holding up the trading of Dwight Howard—the Magic want Turkoglu’s ridiculous contract included and there are not many teams out there, especially with the new CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement), who want to take on that contract.
With all this said, I think Bryant and Fisher will retire in Lakers’ uniforms.
Although the Lakers are looking better than earlier in the season, you would be hard-pressed to find anyone who thinks that they should win the NBA title as the team is currently constructed, so some moves need to be made.
Rob S. De France is a College and University instructor of English Composition living in Los Angeles. He has a B.A. in English and an M.A. in Rhetoric, Composition, and Writing. De France has played, coached, and officiated competitive high school basketball in California for many years. Recently, De France, his wife, and another colleague started an internationally read magazine at Shwibly.com.
