Both the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets have been among the most disappointing teams in the young NBA season. At this point, it feels like both clubs require a blockbuster trade of some sort to get back on track.
A three-game winning streak has helped Brooklyn (12-11) get back above the .500 mark, but expectations were much higher coming into this year. LeBron James’ Lakers sit at 8-12 and look poised to suffer a second straight losing season.
Superstars Anthony Davis (Lakers) and Kevin Durant (Nets) have been the subject of trade rumors in recent weeks. KD himself requested a move from Brooklyn in the offseason, but he eventually agreed to return after a trade failed to materialize.
It’s obviously a long shot to happen, but what if the Lakers and Nets swapped out big-named stars in a blockbuster move?
Recently, Sports Illustrated’s Rohan Nadkarni proposed a blockbuster trade that would see the Lakers unite James with Kevin Durant, with Davis and Lonnie Walker IV going the other way. Here’s what he wrote:
#ADforKD has been a fun trade to discuss at various points, particularly in the summer when Durant requested a trade from Brooklyn. One issue that could hold this up is that the Nets have actually been playing well amid their recent controversies, putting together their best stretch of the season since suspending Kyrie Irving.
Despite the recent success, Brooklyn may be one more swoon away from considering this trade. If the Nets go in the tank again, trading Durant would help to begin to cleanse the drama hovering over this organization. Acquiring Davis would allow Brooklyn to still contend while figuring out what to do with Irving and Ben Simmons. Davis would be the featured player with the Nets and could maintain his star persona in a big market.
Two months after leading the Lakers to the 2020 NBA Championship in the Orlando Bubble, Davis was awarded a five-year extension worth $190 million. Obviously, the Lakers had no idea at the time that the roster would become depleted by injuries and key player departures.
The Lakers and Nets both entered 2020-21 and 2021-22 as two prime favorites to win the NBA Championship. Los Angeles hasn’t even won a playoff series since they defeated the Miami Heat in the 2020 NBA Finals, and Brooklyn has won just a single playoff series with the Durant-Kyrie Irving duo.
It may seem too good to be true for both Lakers and Nets fans, but the idea definitely makes sense. If neither team picks it up ahead of the trade deadline, it would be wise for both organizations to seek a blockbuster move of some sort.
