However, Fansided’s Joseph Kallan predicts the organization will swing big by swapping Austin Reaves for a New Orleans Pelicans superstar with injury concerns in free agency.
“Whenever a big-name player hits the trade block, the Lakers are always in the conversation,” Kallan wrote last Thursday.
“This time, however, it’s not just speculation. The Lakers have already shocked the world by landing Luka Doncic, a move no one saw coming. If they were willing to shake up their roster for one superstar, why not go all-in on another.
Zion (Williamson) would be a perfect fit alongside LeBron James — a downhill force who can dominate in transition and put relentless pressure on the rim. A LeBron (James)-Zion pairing would demand defensive collapses in the paint, opening up even more perimeter opportunities for Doncic.”
“A potential package would likely involve Rui Hachimura or Austin Reaves, along with additional assets, but if Los Angeles wants to build a terrifying Big Three, Zion might be the final piece.”
Although Williamson’s health hasn’t been problematic this month, his past setbacks suggest he isn’t the safest NBA investment.
Due to a November hamstring injury, the former No. 1 overall pick missed an extended period with the Pelicans, causing the franchise to spiral downward.
Since 2019, Williamson has only appeared in 214 of New Orleans’ 400 regular season contests, giving critics a valid reason to question his future with the Pelicans.
Still, when healthy and in basketball shape, the Duke product can wreak havoc on both ends by executing physical downhill drives, finishing well above the rim, and confidently meeting opponents at the rim on the defensive end.
Williamson averages 24.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game this season, shooting 56.7% from the field.
While Williamson, James, and Doncic would be one of the better trios in the modern NBA, swapping an elite No. 3 scoring option in Reaves for an injury-prone forward in Williamson wouldn’t be the wisest offseason move for the Lake Show.
