Indiana Basketball: Los Angeles Lakers should trade for Victor Oladipo
Could former Indiana Basketball star Victor Oladipo be a Laker?
The Los Angeles Lakers are the 2020 NBA Champions, but their road to the championship will be much harder next year. Lebron James and Anthony Davis make for a nearly unstoppable duo, but they lack a third co-star. The Lakers’ supporting cast was shaky almost the entire season and they never had a consistent third-best player.
The Lakers outright won the championship and they are the best team in the NBA — no if, and, or but about it. However, Golden State will be back to full strength next season and have the assets to trade for another star. The Brooklyn Nets are also going to be healthy and boast a talented roster led by Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
It will be even harder for the Lakers to repeat as champions with these teams healthy (not to mention the returning contenders from this season). They may take an offensive path and get James and Davis more help. If they do, Victor Oladipo would be the perfect man for the job.
Defending guards was a struggle for the Lakers all season long, but Oladipo would be able to shore up that weakness. He is a former All-Defense First Team player who could get back to that point if he stays healthy.
Oladipo also has the offensive skills to perfectly complement James and Davis. He led the Pacers in scoring in both of his All-Star seasons, but he could also thrive as a third option on offense. The more energy Oladipo can conserve on offense, the more he can go all out on defense. He could give a consistent third option for the reigning champions.
The only catch has to do with Oladipo’s injury history. He has been hampered by injuries for a while now, but he will be able to have a fully healthy offseason and focus on getting back to his 2017-2018 form.
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The benefit of trading for Oladipo is that he has one year left on his contract. If the Lakers liked him, they could sign him to a cheaper deal before he plays a single game. If he is truly healthy, it could be a steal for the Lakers. If they were more skeptical and scared to commit to the IU product long-term, they could let his contract expire and move on after the season.
Oladipo is a perfect fit for the Lakers. Should the defending champions want to go on the offensive and make a trade, he is a candidate they should strongly consider.