The Los Angeles Lakers, like many teams in the league, have moved away from the “Big Three” model and instead opted for a solid support staff around two star players.
However, it’s not working as well as they hoped at the start of the season and they might be ripe for an upgrade. The scale of an upgrade will likely depend on the opportunity presented.Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant may be about to do just that. “If you talk to people in Phoenix and around this organization, they can sense the frustration with Durant,” ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski said on the Dec. 25 NBA Countdown. “It’s something they need to do in Phoenix with Kevin Durant. You’ve seen it before.Wojnarowski is referring to Durant’s habit of making sophisticated trades when things don’t go as planned given his situation at the time.This is where the Lakers can step in and go all-in at the end of LeBron James’ career.The Lakers get:-Kevin DurantEnjoy the sun:– D’Angelo Russell–Rui Hachimura– Taurian Prince–Max Christie– 2029 first round pick– 2030 first-round pick swapDurant has been traded twice during his career. Durant’s first time was with the Brooklyn Nets in 2019. His second trade came at the February deadline last season, sending him to the Suns.The latter was the first of the season.Like the Lakers, the Suns have struggled lately, winning just three of their last twelve games. As Wojnarowski notes, injuries — especially to Bradley Beal — have hindered the Suns’ progress, leaving the organization struggling to right the ship without the proper resources to pursue upgrades. There is a lot at stake for this organization,” Wojnarowski continued. “It has to change quickly.”“KD should leave the SUNS,” former NBA guard Brandon Jennings wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Dec. 26. “They cursed the man. He doesn’t deserve it.”Russell’s name has been mentioned in trade rumors since he re-signed a two-year, $36 million contract this offseason and waived his implied no-trade rights. His recent move to the bench only reinforces the idea that he will be involved in substantial trade offers.He would give the Suns more of a lead guard than they currently have on the roster, though he’s still more of a scorer than a true point guard. Hachimura became close to James last season. He has already impressed the Lakers enough to earn a three-year contract worth $51 million. The Lakers can’t trade Hachimura until Jan. 15 because of his new deal. He’s dealt with injuries and inconsistencies earlier this season, but over the last 10 games he’s averaged 12.3 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists. Christie shined in limited opportunities despite averaging 4.3 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists in just over four minutes per game in 22 appearances. In his six starts this season, Christie averaged 6.7 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists.Prince would probably be the biggest loss. He started all 29 appearances and shot 39.4% from distance. However, according to Wojnarowski, the Lakers may find themselves with few options. A big step might be the best option. The Lakers could offer this or something similar while still having depth with a star trio of Durant, James and Anthony Davis. Phoenix could push to add coveted league contributor Austin Reaves.The Lakers were not interested in this. A trade for the sullen – and older – Durant may not be worth changing this position. The Lakers could offer this or something similar while still having depth with a star trio of Durant, James and Anthony Davis. Phoenix could push for the inclusion of Austin Reaves, a coveted league contributor. There was no interest from the Lakers. A trade for the unstable – and older – Durant might not be worth changing this position.They are limited in the draft capital they can send. Durant’s story could help them in this regard. Durant has never shied away from interacting with fans on social media, and this time is no different. He obviously rejected Wojnarowski’s claims.“Woj says someone else ‘senses’ I’m frustrated and that led to me being mind controlled,” Durant responded to a fan on Instagram on December 26. “This shit is crazy, these people can slam. “If you lie about my name and make up shit, you’ll believe it, but when my teammates and coaches talk about what I’m like as a teammate, you ignore it. “Durant is in the second year of a four-year contract worth $194 million.
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