After selecting Emmanuel Mudiay in the 2015 NBA Draft, it became clear that the Denver Nuggets want to replace Ty Lawson at the point guard slot. And after the 27-year old was charged with another DUI this past month, a Lawson trade seems to be imminent.
The Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets have reportedly generated interest in trading for the North Carolina product, but it could be risky for either team, especially the Lakers.
First off, one has to wonder what the Nuggets’ asking price is for Lawson. It’s not like the Lakers could acquire him for little to nothing. Lawson has had off court issues, but there is no denying his spectacular play on the court and his overall value. There have been many assumptions that the Nuggets would most likely want Jordan Clarkson.
In the past, the Lakers have never hesitated to trade a young prospect for proven talent, but they would make a mistake this time if they do, theoretically speaking, trade Clarkson for Lawson. Why give up a young, up-and-coming prospect for a troubled player? Lawson is already mustering negative headlines in Denver. Imagine what kind of trouble he would get into in L.A. and how much of an effect the loud Los Angeles media would have on him.
It wouldn’t be ideal for the Lakers to take such a risk at a time when they are making strides towards the future. Lawson certainly puts up good numbers, as he averaged 15.2 points and 9.6 assists last season, but his off court issues are worrisome.
Secondly, if the Lakers were to acquire Lawson, how would D’Angelo Russell grow as a player? Lawson would eat up all his minutes and touches. The Lakers didn’t draft Russell with the second overall pick only for him to take a backseat to a soon-to-be 28-year-old guard. Yeah, maybe Lawson could mentor him, but that’s what the Lakers have Steve Nash for. Clarkson and Russell are already working out with Nash to develop their game.
Russell definitely has the size to start in the backcourt with Lawson, but he was drafted for his play making skills. The Lakers want him to be their future ball handler and play maker, but Russell won’t be able to find a comfort zone playing alongside another guard who endures the same abilities. There would be no plausible way to get the two guards to mesh. One or the other will have to play off the ball, a lot!
If the Lakers want to strengthen their roster via trade, they shouldn’t pursue a point guard. Rather, they need to focus on improving their wing position. Aside from rookie Anthony Brown, the Lakers do not have a genuine small forward. It’s been speculated that Kobe Bryant will be starting at the three position, but at this stage of his career he will have a rough time defending some of the bigger and stronger small forwards in the league.
So why risk future talent for a distressed player? The Lakers do not need to reconstruct their backcourt. They should allow Russell and Clarkson to grow together to reach their ceiling, and in the meantime focus on improving other areas of their roster.