The Lakers, who bet on the Third Big In the offseason, have performed so far in the season, and after losing to the Heat on the road, the team was overtaken by the Timberwolves and fell to eighth in the West.
Although the team lost the game, the team's core players James and Westbrook performed well, and the latter delivered 9 assists in the whole game, only 3 turnovers, and almost helped the team stage a 26-point reversal in the final quarter.
In contrast, the Lakers role players performed extremely badly, especially the young player Horton Tucker, who not only shot only 1 of 5 shots in the whole game, but also made a fatal sideline ball error at a critical moment, which directly led to the team's failure.
Combined with the current situation of the Lakers, as well as the reports of the US media in the past period of time, the Lakers retain the current configuration of the big three and adjust the role players before the trade deadline, which is undoubtedly the most realistic operation.
Of course, sending Westbrook away is the key to the Lakers' solution, but the problem is that Westbrook is carrying a $44 million contract this season and $47 million next season, and no team is willing to take over.
According to eric Pincus, a reporter from the Open Stand, the Lakers have tried to trade Wei Shao, but no one is willing to take over, even if the follow-up points out that the Rockets may be willing to discuss a deal around Wei Shao and Wall, but the Lakers need to send out the first round of 2027.
While peddling Westbrook is frustrated, the Lakers' pursuit of sought-after players such as Grant and Turner does not have an advantage.
According to marc Stein's previous reports, the Lakers have provided the Pistons with the chips for the first round of Horton Tucker + Nunn + 2027, quoting Grant, but the latter refused.
Obviously, this is already the best solution that the Lakers can provide, which means that the Lakers want to pursue the first-level reinforcement target plan is hopeless.
Previously, Eric Pincus also pointed out that Gordon of the Rockets and Rose of the Magic Team were regarded by the Lakers as second-level reinforcement targets.
Therefore, combined with the current series of reports, the US media "nbaanalysis" also supported the Lakers, which can try to trade Gordon through a 4-for-1 plan.
According to the situation of the two teams, this 4-for-1 deal plan is entirely possible to achieve a win-win situation that each takes what it needs.
Potential trading scenarios
Lakers: Get Gordon;
Rockets: Get Horton Tucker + Nunn + 2023 second round pick + 2025 second round pick.
For the Lakers, this deal plan can be used as the team's first choice after pursuing Grant and Turner fruitlessly.
Although Gordon's player level is not as good as Grant and Turner, whether it is offensive ability, or defensive level, or experience level and personal style, almost perfectly fit the Lakers.
So far this season, Goe has played 29.5 minutes, made 10.3 shots, and can get 14.8 points, 1.9 rebounds and 3.2 assists, and shooting 45.2% from three-point range.
While having the Lakers' much-needed ability to finish outside, Gordon's defensive ability is trustworthy, can change multiple positions, and is very familiar with the small ball system, which can be seamlessly integrated into the Lakers' current small lineup.
More importantly, whether Gordon plays without the ball or with the ball, he can help the Lakers, especially the ability to hold the ball in the position battle at a critical moment, which can fill the Lakers' current shortcomings in this regard.
And the Lakers did not send away the 2027 first round signing in the transaction, and there is still a chance to clean up Wei Shao's big contract again after this transaction.
For the Rockets, although they did not get the favorite first-round picks from the deal, the Rockets got two second-round picks in one go.
And Horton Tucker, a young player to look forward to, although he has not performed well this season, but 10 months ago, the Lakers gave up trading Lowry in order to keep Tucker.
Three months ago, the Lakers gave up Caruso in order to keep Tucker, which is enough to explain the talent of Horton Tucker, in addition, Nunn also hopes to sell a good price in the follow-up after returning from injury.
So, for both teams, it's a deal to take what they need.
The rebuilding Rockets not only found a good home for Gordon, continued the reputation of Stone's management team, but also achieved enough rewards with one stone.
The Lakers seem to be taking a back seat, but in fact, Gordon is clearly an underrated player who is expected to play a miracle role in the Lakers' system.