Los Angeles Lakers Considered Landing Spot For $65 Million Star Forward

The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to make a big move in the near future and they are now considered the perfect landing spot for a star forward.

Eric Pincus from Bleacher Report discussed Rob Pelinka’s next move. According to him, the Lakers could get Phoenix Suns swingman Jae Crowder. The Suns offered him a three-year deal in 2020.

“The list of available trade targets isn’t yet clear, as the other 29 teams are currently trying to figure out where they stand,” Pincus wrote in a December 5 article. “The trade market starts to heat up after December 15, which is when a majority of recently signed free agents can be traded. The Lakers may need a team or two to quit on the season if they want high-quality players in return, but that may only happen closer to the February 9 trade deadline. Potential targets could include Jae Crowder (Phoenix Suns).”

Crowder has yet to see any action this season. The Suns are actively looking for a trade partner, and yes, LA can get him. In the 2021-22 NBA season, Crowder averaged 9.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game while going 39.9% from the field, 34.8% from beyond the arc, and 78.9% from the free-throw line.

The Lakers could find great use for the star forward

The Suns veteran will get $10.2 million this season. He enters the open market after the end of the regular season. Now is the perfect time to make a move.

Pelinka can offer Patrick Beverley and Kendrick Nunn in the Crowder trade. Jovan Buha was among the first to report that the Lakers can easily trade both players.

“The Lakers’ updated timeline on beginning to explore trade options is Dec. 15, and they are weighing three different paths, multiple team sources told The Athletic,” Buha wrote on December 1. “Here’s what you need to know: Path 1 is to trade Russell Westbrook, plus a pick or two, for a star or multiplayer haul. Path 2 is to trade some combination of Patrick Beverley, Kendrick Nunn and picks (one first-round and/or multiple second-round picks) for role players who better address needs and upgrade the rotation. Path 3 would be two separate deals: one with Westbrook plus one first-round pick, another using a Beverley-Nunn-pick package.”