The Los Angeles Lakers have been involved in a ton of rumors throughout the NBA offseason and they are not about being done mentioned in them. Even after all of the offseason moves, the Lakers have the assets to make a big move for a superstar. Many have thought that Russell Westbrook should be their main target, but there is another superstar that they should consider making a run at.
Blake Griffin has been rumored to be on the trade block for the right price. Sean Deveney of Sporting News originally reported that the Boston Celtics were showing interest in acquiring Griffin . Other reports surfaced that the Celtics were close to acquiring Griffin, but nothing came of those reports.
A recent report from Eric Pincus of Basketball Insiders , the Lakers have an “unnamed trade target” that they are considering. Could Griffin end up being targeted in a trade by the Lakers?
Last season with the Los Angeles Clippers, Griffin ended up averaging 21.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. He shot 49.9 percent from the field overall, and knocked down 72.7 percent of his foul shots. Griffin has taken his game to a new level, and would be a huge step in the right direction for the Lakers.
Obviously, the Lakers would have to give up a lot of value to get Griffin from the Clippers. They would definitely have to trade Julius Randle and another piece or two to get him. There is no telling what else the Clippers would ask for in return for Griffin, but it wouldn’t be a cheap deal.
At 27-years-old, Griffin would be a huge long-term pickup for the Lakers if they got an extension done with him. That could be one of the biggest things that held up any potential deal, as Griffin is set to hit open free agency next offseason and there is nothing holding him back from leaving.
Luke Walton is taking over as the head coach of the Lakers and wants to play an up-tempo style of offense. He learned that offense from his tenure with the Golden State Warriors and there are very few big men who can fit into that kind of offense like Griffin is capable of doing.
Griffin may not be the mystery trade target for the Lakers, but they should place a call to Doc Rivers and see whether they can get a deal done for him.
It has been awhile since the Lakers were viewed as an attractive free agency destination. Griffin would certainly help that change in a big way. Acquiring Griffin could also improve the Lakers’ chances of signing Westbrook next offseason in free agency.
There are quite a few teams around the NBA that would be good fits for Griffin. Griffin could very well stay put with the Clippers. They are not desperate to move him by any stretch of the imagination, but could be getting nervous about the possibility of losing him in free agency and getting nothing in return.
All of that being said, it will be interesting to see how the remainder of the NBA offseason unfolds. Griffin is still very much in play for trade discussions and the Lakers could and should get involved. They have the necessary assets to make an intriguing trade package and acquiring him would boost their rebuild incredibly fast.
Expect to hear a lot more rumors surrounding the Lakers in the coming weeks. They would like to make another move or two if possible and Griffin would immediately push them into playoff contention.
Do you think the Los Angeles Lakers should make an aggressive trade offer for Blake Griffin? Would they be a playoff team with Griffin onboard? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below!
[Photo by AP Photo/Jae C. Hong]