New Lakers Trade Proposal ‘Changes Everything’ With Addition of 3-and-D Star

The Los Angeles Lakers get a new trade proposal every other day. Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant seem to be the hottest targets for the purple and gold, but it seems like Rob Pelinka has a few other options. The Lakers general manager is having a busy summer. Pelinka rejuvenated his roster and added a bunch of athletic players. What about adding a three-and-D wing?

Of course, the Lakers can add a few more players. Greg Swartz from Bleacher Report says that the Lakers can trade Talen Horton-Tucker for Josh Richardson from the San Antonio Spurs. Moreover, Swartz believes that this deal could “change everything”.

“Moving Horton-Tucker for a proven three-and-D wing like Richardson immediately makes the Lakers better. The 28-year-old can play and defend multiple positions and averaged 10.2 points while shooting 41.5 percent from three last season between the Boston Celtics and San Antonio Spurs. After his trade to San Antonio, Richardson ranked in the 89th percentile among all players with a plus-7.9 swing rating, per Cleaning the Glass.

The Spurs are clearly punting on the 2022-23 season after trading Dejounte Murray, so moving a veteran like Richardson for a talented 21-year-old in Horton-Tucker is just smart tanking.”

Really?

Reasonable trade proposal for the Lakers

Richardson has career averages of 12.0 points. He hits 36.5% of his three-point shots. Yes, he may not be a superstar, but he can definitely contribute to the game. LA needs a shooter, right? In the 2021-22 NBA season, Richardson shot 41.5% of his three-point shots.

Here comes the fun part. Pelinka has to upgrade his defense and Richardson has insane defensive skills. Many believe he is similar to Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Richardson’s effort on the defense makes him an incredible fit for the Lakers.

The Lakers didn’t want to give up on THT last season, but his inconsistency may push him away from the team. LA preferred giving him a deal over keeping Alex Caruso around. It was a terrible mistake. Maybe Pelinka will finally part ways with the young player. It’s a long offseason and Pelinka can drop a move or two.