The Boston Celtics and the LA Lakers have a history of meeting in a conference final, often times with star players on both teams. This year is no different as they meet again, but this time it’s for first place in their respective conferences. The question now is who will be getting the bigger reward?
The “nba rumors: lakers” is a trade that would benefit both teams. The Lakers are in need of an upgrade at the point guard position and the Celtics have been looking for a player to replace Al Horford.
The Lakers would be the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference and the Celtics would be the No. 9 seed in the Eastern Conference if the season ended today. Both clubs would be forced to compete in a play-in game for a playoff berth. For a Celtics squad that reached the Conference Finals a few years back, this is a significant dropoff, especially since the Lakers were the 2020 champs.
Russell Westbrook was acquired by the Lakers before to the start of the season. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis, this was expected to be the move to build a Big 3. The club has underperformed, and there are now concerns regarding the squad’s future prospects.
What if there was a way to save the season, not only for the Lakers, but for both the Lakers and the Celtics? To break free from their mediocrity, both teams need a change. This is a low-risk, high-reward approach that might help both clubs achieve their goals this season.
Russell Westbrook joins the Boston Celtics.
Marcus Smart, Al Horford, and a 2023 second-round pick go to the Los Angeles Lakers (Via Portland)
The Celtics have formed a true Big Three.
The Celtics have a record of 18-19 and have yet to find a way to play consistently. The dressing area appeared to be in a state of disarray. The team’s real leader is unidentified. Jayson Tatum, who is averaging 25.6 points, 8.6 rebounds (a career best), and 3.8 assists, would seem to be the answer. Jaylen Brown, who is coming off a 50-point performance against the Magic, is another possibility. He has a 24.3 point, 6.1 rebound, and 2.7 assist per game average.
They’re both fantastic players, but they’re missing a genuine alpha dog. In terms of basketball talents, Westbrook may not be the genuine alpha dog right now, but his mindset is all about winning and playing hard. With those intangibles, Westbrook would be a fantastic match with Brown and Tatum.
Kemba Walker was signed by the club a few years ago with the hopes of forming the Big 3 that would help them go over the hump. Instead, the squad lost to the Heat in 2020, a series in which Walker was exposed. Westbrook has shown that he can handle the ball throughout his career. Westbrook thrives when he’s on the court with shooters. This would enable Westbrook to reclaim his ball-dominant role, penetrate the lane, and aid Brown and Tatum in their continued success.
To Surround LeBron/AD, The Lakers Acquire True Complementary Pieces
Marcus Smart, Malik Monk, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Al Horford or Dwight Howard would make up the new starting lineup if the deal goes through. There’s also the possibility of reverting LeBron to point guard, with Talen Horton Tucker playing small forward. Next to Davis, Horford would be the stronger defensive choice (when healthy). According to the notion, Westbrook would have established a Big 3 with two more superstars to help the squad return to the NBA Finals. Rather, the squad needs more supplementary players.
Smart is a ball-handling defense with tenacity. Smart, rather than Westbrook, might be a superior defensive choice. Horford is currently averaging a career-high 1.6 blocks per game. Adding Davis to the mix would assist the team’s defense even more. The Lakers need complimentary items like these.
The Lakers had a strong defense in 2020, and LeBron topped the NBA in assists. At the moment, LeBron is being forced to score much too often, and the club is barely clinging to a winning record. It’s past time for the Lakers to resume operating as a unit rather than relying on their superstars to pad their numbers.
For both teams, it’s a low-risk, high-reward situation.
Consider what would happen if the teams stayed the same. It would be a tie between the two teams. Be at the bottom of the playoff rankings with 500 teams. No one wants to play in a play-in game. Because LeBron James is 37 years old, the Lakers’ situation is considerably more precarious. When your finest player is nearing the conclusion of his or her career, the championship window closes quickly.
LeBron James, on the other hand, could probably play for another four years. He is, however, an anomaly. This season, he’s playing like an MVP contender, but his record doesn’t reflect that. The club has to capitalize on LeBron’s excellent performance and take a chance. You have to face yourself the uncomfortable question at some point: Can the club win a championship with Russell Westbrook?
No, that is not the case. If the Celtics sign Westbrook, the three of him, Brown, and Tatum may be enough to put the team back in contention in the Eastern Conference. On paper, the complementing pieces in Smart and Horford are excellent complements to LeBron and Davis. Given how nicely the wages line up, this may be something the Lakers should seriously consider.
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