Julius Randle (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
Julius Randle could be the odd man out in Los Angeles, and trading him is another "forward-thinking move" the Lakers should consider.
The Los Angeles Lakers have a bright future ahead of them, with the team having a core of young talents they could develop into All-Stars and potential faces of the franchise. However, not all of the Lakers' youngsters are part of the Purple and Gold's future, according to Andrew Lynch of Fox Sports.
"Obviously, moving Nick Young for anything of value would be an absolute coup for GM Mitch Kupchak. Other than sending Swaggy P packing, though, there's another forward-thinking move the Lakers should make: Trade Julius Randle," Lynch wrote.
Lynch also insisted that while Randle has the potential to become an offensive force for the Lakers, his game does not fit in the modern NBA, unless he develops into a "defense-first player." Trading Randle, according to Lynch, would also open up opportunity for Larry Nance Jr. to thrive into the starting lineup, with the team "much better off focusing on the development of D'Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson and Nance, rather than trying to turn Randle into something he's not."
It remains to be seen whether the Lakers would truly consider trading Randle, who averaged 11.8 points and 10.2 rebounds last season. But here are three trade scenarios the Lakers could explore if they wish to move Randle.
Sacramento Kings
The Kings have plenty of frontcourt pieces, which would make trading for another big man unlikely. But considering the Kings' rocky relationship with DeMarcus Cousins, trading for Randle could serve as an insurance for what seems inevitable for Sacramento.
Randle would provide the Kings depth at the four spot, and could be the main option at the said position. The 21-year-old's playmaking skills would also see him fit well in Dave Joerger's offensive schemes.
The Lakers could trade Randle to the Kings for Ben McLemore, a deal which works on ESPN's trade machine. McLemore could play off the bench for the Lakers, but his effectiveness on the defensive end should see him earn quality minutes from the second unit.
Denver Nuggets
Much like the Lakers, the Nuggets have a core of talented youngsters, especially at the frontcourt. But with Jusuf Nurkic and Nikola Jokic continue to improve, Kenneth Faried is becoming the likely odd man out in Denver.
Exchanging Randle for Faried won't work under the salary guidelines, but it would make sense for the Lakers to add an athletic big man who can help man the interior defense. On the other hand, Randle offers the Nuggets versatility on the offensive end, and his ability to push the ball and make plays would benefit Denver's towering duo of Jokic and Nurkic.
A more viable trade scenario is including Lou Williams in the potential deal, giving the Nuggets a veteran scorer off the bench.
Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers would probably be the most ideal destination for Randle.
Following Ben Simmons' injury, the 76ers will play most part of the season without their leading playmaker. And with Philadelphia still looking to address their crowded frontcourt, exploring the trade market seems unavoidable for the 76ers.
Trading for Randle would make sense for the 76ers to fill the void left by Simmons. Randle's versatility on the offensive end his ability to make plays should see him a viable replacement for Simmons if the 76ers are serious in contending this season.
Anyone between Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel could be the trade piece for Randle, but Noel's recent comments about Philly's frontcourt situation and his impending free agency suggest he could be the top candidate to get dealt. Acquiring Noel would give the Lakers the defensive big man they lack and a solid rim-protector.
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