The Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers have the same expectations this season when it comes to trying to win an NBA title led by veteran superstars LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard respectively. With neither team making any significant moves in the offseason (other than D’Angelo Russell accepting his player option and Russell Westbrook leaving), there could be a huge mock trade between the two teams that sees some interesting player movement.

Trade Details

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Norman Powell, Terance Mann, Bones Hyland

Los Angeles Clippers Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent

This trade sees D’Angelo Russell not have to leave California and join forces with Kawhi Leonard and James Harden while the Lakers make some changes to their starting lineup. While we won’t often see the Lakers and Clippers engage in trade negotiations, let’s break this deal down and give it a grade.

Los Angeles Lakers Make LeBron James New Starting Point Guard

LeBron James, already known for his elite playmaking skills, would seamlessly transition into the starting point guard role for the Los Angeles Lakers. Historically, LeBron has demonstrated his ability to lead the offense, averaging 7.4 assists per game over his career. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 8.3 assists, showcasing his continued ability to facilitate and orchestrate the game at a high level.

With LeBron taking on a more centralized role, the Lakers can maximize his court vision and basketball IQ, ensuring that their offense runs through one of the most reliable playmakers in NBA history. The addition of Norman Powell, Terance Mann, and Bones Hyland would provide depth and versatility to the Lakers’ roster. Powell’s scoring prowess (averaging 13.9 points per game on 43.5% from three last season) and Mann’s defensive tenacity (posting a 118.8 defensive rating) would bolster the Lakers on both ends of the floor.

Hyland, a young and promising guard, brings energy and scoring off the bench, averaging 6.9 points per game in limited minutes. This trade would not only allow LeBron to dictate the pace and direction of the offense but also surround him with capable scorers and defenders to create a more balanced and dynamic team. Perhaps most importantly, the Lakers could get an injection of energy that could be missing.

Los Angeles Clippers Create A New Big Three With D’Angelo Russell

The Los Angeles Clippers, by acquiring D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Gabe Vincent, would form a formidable new Big Three with Russell, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George. Russell’s playmaking and scoring ability (18.0 points and 6.3 assists per game in the 2023-24 season) would complement the Clippers’ existing stars, providing a reliable third option on offense. His ability to create his own shot and facilitate for others would alleviate some of the offensive burden from Leonard and George, making the Clippers’ attack more unpredictable and difficult to defend.

Jarred Vanderbilt’s defensive versatility (posting a defensive rating of 112.3) and rebounding prowess (career 6.4 rebounds per game) would add a valuable dimension to the Clippers’ frontcourt, allowing them to match up more effectively against various opponents. Gabe Vincent, known for his tenacity and shooting (37.8% from three-point range during Miami Heat’s Finals run in 2023), would provide much-needed depth and spacing for the Clippers.

This trade would enhance the Clippers’ chances of contending in the Western Conference by balancing their roster and addressing key needs on both ends of the floor. Overall, this trade would provide immediate benefits for both teams, with the Lakers gaining depth and playmaking versatility, while the Clippers fortify their lineup with a new dynamic trio and improved defensive capabilities.

What Grade Should This Trade Be?

Los Angeles Lakers: C

The Los Angeles Lakers receiving Norman Powell, Terance Mann, and Bones Hyland provides them with depth and a mix of skills, but the trade’s impact on the team’s overall strength is questionable. While Powell’s scoring and Mann’s defensive presence are valuable, they don’t fully compensate for the loss of D’Angelo Russell’s playmaking and scoring. Additionally, Gabe Vincent and Jarred Vanderbilt, known for their defensive capabilities and versatility, will be missed, especially Vanderbilt’s ability to guard multiple positions effectively (defensive rating of 112.3). While LeBron James can handle the point guard duties, the overall chemistry and balance of the team might suffer in the short term as new pieces integrate into the system.

Furthermore, the Lakers’ reliance on LeBron as point guard raises concerns about his durability over a long season. At 39 years old, increased responsibilities could potentially lead to wear and tear, risking injuries. Powell and Mann, while solid contributors, may not provide the consistency and high-level performance needed to propel the Lakers deep into the playoffs. Bones Hyland, though promising, is still developing and may not yet be ready for a significant role on a contending team. This trade seems like a lateral move for the Lakers rather than a significant upgrade, hence the grade of C.

Los Angeles Clippers: B-

For the Los Angeles Clippers, this trade presents a promising opportunity to enhance their lineup, though it comes with its own set of challenges. Acquiring D’Angelo Russell gives the Clippers a reliable third star who can alleviate some offensive pressure from Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Russell’s scoring and playmaking (18.0 points and 6.3 assists per game on 41.5% from three) would complement the Clippers’ existing duo, making their offense more dynamic and unpredictable.

Additionally, Jarred Vanderbilt’s defensive versatility and rebounding (career 6.4 rebounds per game) would strengthen the Clippers’ frontcourt, providing much-needed grit and energy on both ends of the floor. Gabe Vincent, known for his shooting accuracy and tenacity, would further bolster the Clippers’ bench, offering depth and reliable shooting.

However, there are potential downsides to this trade. The Clippers would be giving up Norman Powell and Terance Mann, two key contributors who have been integral to their recent success. Powell’s scoring ability and Mann’s defensive prowess have provided valuable balance to the team’s rotation. Integrating Russell, Vanderbilt, and Vincent might take some time, and the chemistry between the new trio and the existing stars could be a concern initially. Despite these potential issues, the overall upside for the Clippers is significant, as this trade could elevate their status in the competitive Western Conference, warranting a grade of B-.