This season, the Lakers have performed poorly overall, ranking 6th in the West with only 15 wins and 13 losses. Luckily, the Lakers also have a chance to get two star players to solve the problems they encounter on both ends of the offensive and defensive ends. By making deals with the Pistons and 76ers, Los Angeles could get Grant and Ben Simmons, which would rekindle their dreams of fighting for the championship.
Transaction Plan 1:
The Pistons got: Horton Tucker, Nunn, Rondo, 2027 first-round picks
Lakers win: Jeramie Grant
Horton Tucker, 21, has shown confidence on the court, averaging 11.3 points and 4.5 rebounds ahead of the game, and after Cameron Anthony, Horton Tucker has been the Lakers' most consistent role player. Last season, the Lakers had missed Lowry for Horton Tucker, and this time Grant was right in front of him, and the Los Angeles Lakers couldn't let him slip away anymore.
This season, Grant has been in great form, averaging 20.1 points and 4.8 rebounds per game while playing well defensively. For the Lakers, who have difficulty defending from the outside, Grant will be a much-needed addition. The forward swingman defends 4 positions well, scores singles, and is James' perfect fast-attacking partner. Losing Horton Tucker would be painful, but the Lakers now need to take advantage of 36-year-old James. In the last years of his career, he competed for the championship.
Transaction Plan 2:
The 76ers won: Westbrook, 2026 first-round draft picks, 2025 second-round draft picks
The Lakers got: Ben Simmons, Danny Green
The Lakers need to get Ben Simmons at all costs because the three-time All-Star player plugs and plays. Even though he can't shoot and the jump shot may be worse than Westbrook, he's definitely a better player. He's a great defender and he can solve all of the Lakers' defensive problems. On top of that, Simmons has a higher basketball IQ than Westbrook. There's no doubt Westbrook is a better scorer, but he can't control the ball as efficiently as Simmons.
The Purple and Gold Want to Close the Deal Immediately, but their only problem is convincing the 76ers to accept Westbrook in return. Simmons is only 25 years old and the ceiling is very high, so trading for a 33-year-old point guard isn't the best deal on the market. But the 76ers seem desperate at this stage, especially since their favorite stars Bradley Beal and Damien Lillard have no idea of changing teams.
If the Lakers can convince the opposing general manager to accept the deal as they have done in the past, then it will be a huge success for the Lakers.
After the transaction, the first big change
With Grant and Simmons, the Lakers' defense doesn't look too bad. Simmons is one of the NBA's best defensive players, and Jeramie Grant has a long arm span. Plus physically strong LeBron James, interior defender Anthony Davis. The four men had no problem defending any opponent in the regular season and playoffs, especially when Gole coached them.
The Lakers will also be a force on the offensive end, with LeBron James and Ben Simmons sharing organizational responsibilities. Ben Simmons is unstoppable in fast attacks, and his selflessness tends to make those around him better. Grant is also the perfect starter for a championship team because he plays so hard that he doesn't need the ball to make a difference.
Aside from these 4, Munch is most likely to make it to the starter. He's a 23-year-old shooting guard, energetic and explosive. Munch has averaged just 9.7 points per game this season, but he's had some great performances this season. As Simmons and James create shooting opportunities for him and teach him to be a better all-around player, Munch's performance will improve. With Dwight Howard and Cameron Anthony coming off the bench, the Lakers will be a formidable team as they improve on both ends of the court through these big deals.
For the Lakers to complete two deals of this magnitude, it will take a lot of negotiation and risk. Ben Simmons can be traded on the trade market, but the Lakers need to move quickly to prevent him from going to another team. While trading Westbrook after 28 games this season may seem like a panicked move, it's a must for a title-contending team.
Similarly, the Lakers must give up their future assets (Horton Tucker, Kennern, future draft picks) and their starting point guard (Russell Westbrook) in exchange for two star players who can lead the Lakers to the NBA Finals.
With two new defensive stars on board, the Lakers are expected to replace the Suns, Jazz and Nuggets as the most comprehensive team in the West.