Jahlil Okafor (Photo : Getty Images)
Jahlil Okafor could head to the Los Angeles Lakers with Brandon Ingram as the likely trade bait for the Philadelphia 76ers big man.
Rumors have been non-stop about the 76ers trading one of their big man, and many believe Jahlil Okafor could end up as the odd man out in Philadelphia. With Joel Embiid declaring himself "100 percent" healthy for this season, there may not be much room for Okafor in the 76ers' crowded frontcourt.
Many teams have been linked as destinations to Okafor should the 76ers decide to trade the 20-year-old center from Chicago. According to Lucas Johnson of The Sixers Sense, a fan site hosted by Sports Illustrated's Fansided, the Lakers may become a potential destination for Okafor.
The Lakers signed Timofey Mozgov to a multi-year contract this summer, but the 30-year-old Russian isn't an ideal piece to grow along with the team's core of young talents. And while the Lakers have Ivica Zubac possibly an option at the five spot, the Croatian rookie may have to prove himself before establishing himself as a legit center in the league.
On the other hand, Okafor would be a tremendous boost for the Lakers at the center position. Not only that Okafor brings an offensive threat inside the paint, but he could grow along the likes of D'Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson, forming a promising group of youngsters with All-Star potentials.
In Johnson's trade scenario, the Lakers would have to give up Brandon Ingram to the 76ers for Okafor, who averaged 17.5 points and 7.0 rebounds in his rookie season in Philadelphia.
"In order for the Lakers to bring Okafor over they would either have to send Russell or Ingram along with lifting the protection on the draft pick that is due to the Sixers from the Michael Carter-Williams trade. Ingram would be the preferred options with the lack of depth at small forward," Johnson wrote.
Ingram would give the 76ers another talented youngster to pair with the team's own core of young talents. It is no secret that the 76ers plan on giving Ben Simmons the playmaking duties of the team, and there is no better way to fully-utilize the Aussie phenom's talent than surround him with shooters like Ingram.
However, it is highly unlikely the Lakers would give up Ingram for Okafor, especially with LA having in possession plenty of other big men who could flourish under Luke Walton's system. Such deal would also depend on the Lakers developing interests in acquiring Okafor.
Earlier this year, ESPN's Chad Ford claimed that the Lakers "loved" Okafor and might consider trading for him, with D'Angelo Russell as the speculated trade bait for the potential deal. The rumors emerged days before the Lakers and 76ers head into this year's NBA rookie draft.
But if both teams deem a lineup change is necessary, it is a deal worth exploring for the 76ers and Lakers.
