Even though both clubs feature multiple All-Stars and future Hall of Famers, both the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets are among the biggest disappointments in the young 2022-23 NBA season.
Friday’s home loss to the Sacramento Kings dropped the LeBron James and Anthony Davis-led Lakers to 2-10 on the year. They are tied with the Houston Rockets for the worst record in the NBA, but of course, the Rockets were never expected to seriously compete this year.
The star-studded Nets, led by Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons, haven’t been above .500 all season. They’ve been scratching and clawing their way to get back to the .500 mark, but at this stage, it’s not too early to suggest that their short championship window is closed.
It’s clear that both the Lakers and Nets would benefit from a star-studded trade. Could the two teams do business together and swap out stars? More specifically, what about a trade that sends Irving and Durant to La La Land in exchange for Davis and Russell Westbrook?
Don’t laugh, but Ric Bucher of FOX Sports spoke to multiple general managers who believe that the deal is, in fact, a possibility.
“Who would do that? All parties involved,” one GM from an Eastern Conference club told Bucher.
One GM said it’s “Way too early to call”, stating that Irving “is such a wild card” amid his social media controversy and suspension from the Nets.
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“The Nets should be highly motivated to move the albatross of the modern NBA and receive value,” one scout told Bucher on Irving. “Otherwise, he walks this summer and the Nets get nothing. The Nets need size, and they have urgency for this season. I think the Lakers are looking a year down the road.”
Bucher did note that there isn’t any “indication” that the two clubs have had contact regarding a potential trade.
But unless one or both teams enjoy a quick turnaround before the new year, the trade rumors surrounding the likes of Durant, Davis, Irving and Westbrook will continue. For now, the Nets and Lakers remain focused on overcoming difficult starts and climbing back into the playoff picture.
