Key Takeaways:
– The Lakers consider trading for point guard Malcolm Brogdon, a veteran point guard.
– Malcolm Brogdon might be acquired at a reasonable price due to his recurring injury issues.
– A proposed trade agreement would see Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, and Jalen Hood-Schifino moving to Portland Trail Blazers.
– Concerns persist about Brogdon’s injury history. He played only 39 games last year due to an elbow injury.
– Brogdon could bring the shooting skill the Lakers seem to lack, provided he stays healthy.
Trading for Malcolm Brogdon
As the Lakers progress on the path towards reshaping their team, rumor mills have started rolling around a certain Sixth Man of the Year winner, Malcolm Brogdon. With a proven record of talent and expertise as a point guard, Brogdon is seen as a potentially beneficial addition to the Lakers. He might be a notch above last year’s three-year contract signee, Gabe Vincent, though injuries might pose a certain risk.
Lakers’ 3-Player Swap Proposal on the Table
Drawing Malcolm Brogdon might not be as complex a move as one would think. His contract caps the final year of a two-year duration, worth $45 million, which he had signed with the Pacers before joining the Boston Celtics in 2022. Given his expiring deal with the Portland Trail Blazers, his price tag might be considerably cheaper, forgoing a first-round pick trade.
Rather, the Lakers could potentially offer their last year’s first-round pick, Jalen Hood-Schifino, along with a couple of veterans. A proposed agreement would see three players swapping teams. The Blazers could end up with Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, and Jalen Hood-Schifino, paving the way for Brogdon to join the Lakers.
Concerns around Malcolm Brogdon’s Health
Opting for Brogdon comes with its own caveat, primarily his recurring injury issues. His previous year was marked by only 39 games, his court-time truncated by an elbow injury. This pattern isn’t new and matches up with his track record over the years, where he missed a minimum of 15 games each season post his rookie year. His last three years have seen him out for 104 games out of 246, signaling a significant injury risk.
Brogdon as a Viable Lakers’ Shooter
On the bright side, Malcolm Brogdon is a valuable asset when fit, particularly for his quality as a ball handler and shooting prowess. Boasting an average of 15.4 points and 4.7 assists throughout his career and maintaining a commendable 46.4% field and 39.1% 3-point line shooting percentages, he spells promise. Provided he stays injury-free, Brogdon could offer the Lakers the perimeter presence they lack, having only ranked 24th with 11.8 made 3-pointers per game last year.
A Western Conference executive opines, “He’s always been a precise shooter from beyond the line. That’s a vital attribute the Lakers need at this juncture. He might not be a flamboyant superstar, but that’s not what they need right now. His injuries are a concern, but careful handling is the key here. A fit Brogdon at year-end could provide the Lakers with the spacing they’ve missed over the past few seasons.”
As these trade speculations gain traction, Lakers enthusiasts eagerly wait to see how the team configuration shapes up for the next NBA season.