ESPN is currently running an article on how the Lakers are thinking about attempting to trade their draft pick this offseason for Kevin Love. Whether or not the Lakers are actually thinking that way, let’s analyze this possible move:
Upside – The Lakers would get a proven all-star caliber player. Kevin Love is a guy who is talented enough to be the second option on a championship team.
There could also be a miracle scenario where the Lakers use the pick to trade for someone like Love or of that caliber, and also sign LeBronze. But that is HIGHLY unlikely so I won’t go into detail.
Risk – Kevin Love would still be a free agent next offseason unless he signed an extension. And as Dwight Howard proved, players are willing to leave extra money if they feel like they are in a better situation. What would happen to the Lakers if they traded for Love, and when he came the team stunk or Kobe got hurt again, and he walked to another team? I shudder to think. That would be a disaster.
Also the Lakers would miss out on the chance to develop a good player on a cheap contract. With the way the salary cap restrictions are good players on rookie contracts are more valuable than ever! It allows you to put more money towards supporting players or stars.
One intangible aspect is that giving up the pick means giving up the chance at another home grown star. Part of the fun in watching Laker HOFers like Magic Johnson, James Worthy, & Kobe Bryant is watching them grow up right in front of our very eyes. We see them start off as mistake making rookies, explode into super stardom, and then finish as Champions. I think now more than ever Laker fans need a guy like that to root for. We need someone for Kobe to pass the torch to.
Bottom Line – The chances are incredibly slim that as a result of trading for Love the Lakers could be contenders next year. So my vote is for “no”. “No” makes exponentially more sense when you realize the Lakers can have both Love AND their draft pick if they just wait one more season.
Patience.
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