After winning the championship in the 2019-20 season, the Lakers experienced a losing season in 2020-21, not only through the playoffs, but also in the first round.
The poor situation made the Lakers management very anxious, and made a major adjustment to the lineup again, bringing in double-digit new signings in one go.
As a result, the large-scale transaction action not only did not help the Lakers, but made the team's condition worse, and it has now fallen to the ninth place in the West.
It's even worse than the poor record that Westbrook is outside the system, after all, he has a big $44 million contract this season and a $47 million player option next season, and he is unlikely to refuse to execute.
This means that if the Lakers can't solve the problem of Westbrook, this season and next season will most likely not be able to compete for the championship.
To this end, the US media "Fadeawayworld" also combined with the recent rumors about Lillard's transaction, giving a 4-for-1 transaction plan, the Lakers upgraded the big three, Wei Shao got a good opportunity to prove himself, and Lillard got his wish.
Potential trading scenarios
Lakers: Get Lillard;
Trail Blazers: Get Westbrook + Munch + Tucker + 2027 first-round pick (Lakers).
It's a deal based on Rumors about Lillard, who, according to Hoopshype reporter Chad Ford, isn't focused on the Knicks and Philadelphia.
In fact, Lillard wants to stay in the West, with the Lakers, Jazz and Clippers seen as potential next home.
Among them, the Lakers are undoubtedly the best choice for the next home, as early as last year's offseason, James had recruited Lillard, who was also once moved, but eventually stayed in Portland for loyalty.
But with the Trail Blazers delaying reinforcements, Lillard's state decline and serious injury problems have made the Lakers' trade with Lillard possible.
Especially considering Lillard's state this season, as well as his current injury situation, the 4-for-1 plan given by the US media does have a certain possibility.
For the Lakers, this is an opportunity to upgrade the Big Three at the bottom, although Lillard has a high probability of reimbursement this season, but it gives the Lakers a chance to win the championship next season.
In good health, Lillard can average 28.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game in the 2020-21 season, shooting 39.9% from three-point range, and can fully play the role of the Lakers' third giant.
And compared to Wei Shao, Lillard has a stable space ability, fully meet the needs of the two giants of Zhan Mei, the Lakers at the end of this season, can re-focus around the three giants of James + thick eyebrows + Lillard to carry out the lineup layout, and strive for the championship next season, rather than being completely locked by Wei Shao's big contract.
For the Blazers, if Lillard is determined to leave and asks to join the Lakers, then this is an optional trade solution.
Wei Shao has been criticized by the outside world this season, but this is closely related to Wei Shao's inappropriate role positioning, and when playing for the Wizards, Wei Shao can also average 22.2 points, 11.5 rebounds and 11.7 assists per game.
Considering that the Trail Blazers guard line has a shooter configuration like McCollum and Simmons, Westbrook has every hope of playing real strength around them and making himself back.
In addition, the Blazers also got Tucker, a young player worth cultivating, who has been criticized by the Lakers this season, but Tucker has comprehensive offensive skills, solid defensive habits, and at the age of 21, he has the hope of growing into a stable two-way player.
Munch is a representative of low salary and high energy, carrying a basic salary contract, but he can average 13 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game, and the three-point shooting rate is 40.9%.
Therefore, for the players involved in the deal, the plan is expected to achieve a happy ending, Lillard stayed in the West as he wished, and joined the Lakers who are expected to compete for the championship, the much-criticized Westbrook and Tucker got a chance to prove themselves, and Munch also hopes to get a big contract with the Blazers.