Key Takeaways:
– The Los Angeles Lakers, coached by JJ Redick, are reportedly looking for a third star to join LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
– A potential trade deal could see Cleveland Cavaliers’ 5-time All-Star Donovan Mitchell join the Lakers’ ranks.
– Guard Donovan Mitchell has an impressive track record with two seasons left on his $163 million contract, but speculation suggests he might push for a move to the Lakers.
– Trade considerations include Lakers giving up Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, the No. 17 draft pick, and a 2029 first-rounder.
– The Cavs are reportedly confident of signing a contract extension with Mitchell in the coming months.
Donovan Mitchell – A Potential Third Star for Lakers?
The famed Los Angeles Lakers, now under the stewardship of Coach JJ Redick, are reportedly scouting for a third alpha player. This could strengthen their chances as contenders in the NBA, provided LeBron James decides to stay put. One name emerging from the rumor mill is that of Cleveland Cavaliers’ star Donovan Mitchell.
Mitchell has an impressive track record. He’s a five-time All-Star and boasts of experience from his 54 playoff appearances. While still contracted for two more seasons with a whopping $163 million deal, chances are that Mitchell might push for a move to the Lakers.
A Look at the Potential Trade Deal
Grant Hughes from the Bleacher Report has assembled a potential NBA Draft Day trade proposal for the Lakers to acquire Mitchell. This ambitious pitch involves the Lakers letting go of Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, their No. 17 pick in the draft, and a 2029 first-rounder. The reward? Securing Mitchell as the Lakers’ third star player.
Hughes goes further suggesting, despite Mitchell’s on-paper binding contract with the Cavs, he holds a significant say in his future. Possibly expressing a disinterest in signing with other potential suitors, Mitchell could tilt towards Los Angeles, rendering it a bargain deal for the Lakers.
Cavs Optimistic for a Contract Extension with Mitchell
The buzz around Mitchell being a trade target for the Lakers might eventually dissipate if the Cavs manage to secure a contract extension with him. The Athletic’s Shams Charania reports a positive vibe from within the Cavalier camp believing that Mitchell will ink an extension soon.
Charania, along with Joe Vardon and Jason Lloyd, reveals a growing optimistic sentiment within the Cavs’ ranks. Cavs believe that the hiring of Kenny Atkinson, the offensive-minded coach, could prove pivotal in securing Mitchell’s commitment to a lucrative contract extension.
In conclusion, if Donovan Mitchell ends up being the much-anticipated third jewel in the Lakers’ crown, all eyes will be on them to rise to the occasion of becoming NBA’s top contenders yet again. Yet, the flip side might see Mitchell renewing his allegiance to the Cavs. All these speculative trade talks are only a part of much larger strategic chess games teams play to ultimately reign supreme in the sporting arena that is the NBA.
As the LA Lakers continue refining their playbook, either getting Mitchell on board or ensuring LeBron stays, one thing’s undeniable – their pursuit of NBA glory remains as relentless as ever.