The Los Angeles Lakers picked up a confidence-building win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday, but a shocking trade still isn’t out of the picture.
The organization could swap a future Hall of Famer for a former New York Knicks superstar this season.
“This (Minnesota) Timberwolves trade package feels more like quantity than quality when it comes to the price of acquiring The King,” Fadeaway World’s Eddie Bitar wrote Thursday.
“Julius Randle is a solid player (20.4 points per game, rebounds per game, 4.0 assists per game), but his iso-heavy style and inconsistent defense aren’t exactly the attributes you’d expect in a blockbuster centerpiece for LeBron James.”
“Donte DiVincenzo and Nickeil Alexander-Walker are capable role players, sure, but they don’t exactly move the needle for a Lakers team still hungry to compete for titles.”
“For the Lakers, this deal might look appealing only because of Randle’s ability to put up numbers, but his fit alongside Anthony Davis could be clunky at best.”
“The trio of second-round picks sprinkled across the next few years doesn’t scream ‘franchise-altering assets’, either.”
“From Minnesota’s side, LeBron would elevate their playoff ceiling overnight because this roster with LeBron, superstar Anthony Edwards, and Rudy Gobert screams title favorite.”
“The Timberwolves better be banking on LeBron’s championship magic to make this gamble worth it in the end.”
While Randle probably wasn’t thrilled when he discovered the Knicks traded him to the Timberwolves in October, his recent play suggests he’s moved past his initial disappointment.
The 6-foot-9 forward’s herky-jerky style of play may damage some spectators’ eyes, but there’s no question Randle’s been productive in a Timberwolves uniform.
The Kentucky product averages 20.1 points and 6.8 rebounds per game on 48.3% shooting from the field alongside a gifted scorer in Edwards.
While Randle may not be the best frontcourt option for the Lakers, he’s an asset the Lakers may consider pairing with Davis later this year.
However, cutting ties with James, a 22-year veteran still performing at an elite level, wouldn’t be ideal for the franchise, making this trade proposal unrealistic.
