Ambitious Trade Proposal Gives Lakers A Versatile Big Man

The offseason starts really soon and NBA experts have already shared their trade proposals for each team. One trade proposal links the Los Angeles Lakers to Atlanta Hawks John Collins and yes, the franchise could really use a big man like him.

Collins signed a five-year contract extension in 2021. He will get $125 million in that time, but a lot of people think the Hawks will trade him away at some point.

The Lakers could be an ideal destination for the 25-year-old and Bleacher Report has a trade proposal for both teams. To get Collins, the Lakers could trade Malik Beasley and Mo Bamba.

“Collins is a distressed asset, which makes it hard to call him an ambitious target. His three-point shot abandoned him this year, and he has yet to prove he can survive as a small-ball center. But if Los Angeles wants someone who can sop up frontcourt minutes so Davis and James can rest next season, he’s a better candidate than anyone currently under contract. Plus, the 25-year-old isn’t far removed from a two-year stretch from 2019-20 to 2020-21 in which he averaged a combined 19.2 points and 8.5 rebounds while shooting 40.0 percent from long range.”

Lakers could use another big man on the floor

The Lakers didn’t look really good early in the season. They made a few trade moves at the deadline and improved the roster. These adjustments pushed the team deep into the postseason and players can still make the NBA Finals.

Rob Pelinka said these trades were a form of “pre-agency” for the Lakers. They will have optionality to keep this group together for at least next season, depending on how players perform. He added that he is excited to have a core of players 26 and under around LeBron and AD.

— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) February 11, 2023

Trading Beasley and Bamba may look easy, but the Lakers front office may face some difficulties. Beasley isn’t seeing much playing time these days and Bamba treats his ankle injury. It won’t be easy, but Pelinka can still do some calculations and get Collins.

The Lakers are busy trying to beat the Denver Nuggets at the moment. They lost three games so far and their situation is a bit complicated. Planning a future trade move is not a priority at the moment, but Pelinka sure has a few ideas on his desk.