New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony. (Photo : Getty Images)
The NBA trade rumors revolve around superstars and Carmelo Anthony is now the biggest name being tossed around.
The former Syracuse standout has had his shortcomings but he is still a reliable scorers. Age and continued massive criticism on his leadership would probably reduce his trade value, and this may open an opportunity for the Lakers.
This is the scenario that was illustrated by Charley Rosen of FanRag Sports. "However, since his recurring complaint is that everybody blames him for every game the Knicks lose, perhaps Melo is sufficiently disgusted to accept a trade elsewhere. Perhaps to the young, rebuilding Lakers - after all, his wife's name is La La."
Some pundits may consider Rosen's remarks as tongue-in-cheek, but the Lakers' young core has created enough buzz for themselves that this scenario should not be dismissed right away. Actually, it's also not an easy choice for the Lakers since their players are on the rise while Anthony is on the decline.
This was mentioned by Sean Deveney of Sporting News when he noted that three players from the Lakers young core are part of the list of the league's best players aged 22 or under. Still, there are some scenarios that deserve some consideration.
Scenario 1: The Lakers could trade one D'Angelo Russell and veteran Luol Deng.
The Knicks are likely to move on from Derrick Rose after more off-court issues have emerged with him. D'Angelo Russell has the talent, skill and personality to ignite Madison Square Garden. Trading him to the Knicks will give them their point guard of the future on a rookie contract.
In return, the Lakers can send one of the contracts that they would want to unload. It would be a stretch for them to send back Timofey Mozgov, but Luol Deng is a player that could actually help the Knicks on the court and even the locker room.
Scenario 2: The Lakers could trade Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson, Luol Deng and Timofey Mozgov for Carmelo Anthony and Derrick Rose's expiring contract.
Taking the concept a lot of steps further, the Lakers will send two players from their core (Clarkson is a core player, although he is not one of the top three players that Deveney mentioned) but they get to have cap space again. This trade is a real longshot but the pieces could come together. Taking on Mozgov is a tough deal but they get two young players, one of them on a rookie contract for their aging superstar. Also, they get to solve their Derrick Rose dilemma.
