Proposed four-team blockbuster Lakers trade lands $212 million Knicks star, NBA champion

Proposed four-team blockbuster Lakers trade lands $212 million Knicks star, NBA champion originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Even if it isn’t a priority, it’s never a poor idea to add a dynamic three-and-D wing with championship experience before the season begins to ramp up.

In a recent blockbuster four-team Los Angeles Lakers trade idea, the 17-time NBA champion would do just that, as a 6-foot-7 New York Knicks star and NBA champion hypothetically lands in Los Angeles.

“The Lakers are in an interesting spot right now,” Sports Illustrated’s Eric Sperlazza wrote Tuesday. “LeBron James has just returned and seems more than content taking a secondary role offensively to Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic in what may very well be his last year with the Lakers.”

“Los Angeles is 15-5 and sitting in second in the Western Conference, but they don’t quite feel like a championship contender as currently constructed. The Lakers don’t need another big swing; simply adding a versatile two-way player like OG might be just what they need to challenge the top of the Western Conference.”

“Anunoby can immediately slot in and provide some switchability on defense while making sure they don’t miss Rui Hachimura’s shooting on the other end. OG is also under contract for three more seasons and could prove to be a great long-term piece next to Doncic and Reaves once LeBron has moved on.”

Sperlazza’s full trade proposal would send Anunoby and Doug McDermott to the Sacramento Kings, and the Knicks would receive Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and Josh Hart; Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Knicks; and Zach LaVine, Maxi Kleber, and four future first-round picks to the Milwaukee Bucks.

There’s a reason why Mike Brown has publicly vouched for Anunoby to receive his first All-Star nod this season.

Og Anunoby is among the best two-way wings in the league, routinely using his hitch-free release to drill three-point jumpers at a high clip and making life miserable for opponents on the defensive end with his commitment to applying constant pressure and keeping his hands active.

Anunoby is averaging 15.8 points and 5.6 rebounds per game while shooting 47.6% from the field and 39.2% from three-point land.

It’s reasonable to assume the 28-year-old would be a seamless fit alongside Doncic and Reaves, making him an asset to keep a close eye on.

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