14 Trades Involving Kenneth Faried and a Western Conference Team
By Tim Hart
LA Lakers
Trade Machine Results: Nuggets +2 Wins, Lakers Unaffected
The Trade Machine says that neither team would suffer from this trade. While it favors the Nuggets, the Lakers could benefit as well.
Why the Lakers would do it:
D’Angelo Russell caused some team-chemistry issues last year, and Jordan Clarkson is simply playing better. If this trade went down, the Lakers would reform their team around Clarkson. He has proven himself worthy of the starting position, and usually out-performs Russel on a regular basis. With Clarkson running the point, Harris at SG, Deng at SF, Faried at PF, and Mozgov at C, the Lakers would be looking at more classically structured starting 5 than what they have now.
Their acquisition of Mozgov and Deng shows that the Lakers want a team that can compete now rather than later. This trade would follow that mold, giving them a more experienced starting 5. It would be hard to part with Russel, but their record would probably not suffer at all.
This move might not be the smartest for LA. But they did just sign Mozgov and Deng to massive contracts, so…
Why the Nuggets would do it:
and D’Angelo Russell have formed quite a rivalry. Seeing them join forces would be very interesting. With his shooting ability, Russel would probably make a better SG than Mudiay. He would likely get the starting spot in Harris’ absence. This would leave the Nuggets with three first-round guards in Mudiay, Russell, and Murray. Who knows what that could develop into. It certainly sounds exciting.
Adding Randle to the squad would likely give Darrell Arthur the immediate start. Taking a spot in the starting 5 would not be out of reach for Randle though. His abilities are similar to Arthur’s, all with better size. His only weakness is inexperience. It’s not hard to imagine a relationship forming between Randle and Nuggets Coach Mike Malone. If Randle can prove himself as a consistent player, he could very likely grab the starting spot.
The Nuggets would also have Lou Williams coming off the bench. He can drive and finish, but lives for free-throws and the three-ball. The Nuggets have struggled with free throws and three-balls recently, making Williams look like a good fit. Also, last season he had a 44 point game. Enough said.
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