Lakers predicted to acquire adored former Celtics guard via trade | Sporting News

With the NBA trade deadline creeping up on the Los Angeles Lakers, the organization should attempt to narrow down their list of potential targets. 

A former Celtics fan-favorite and current Washington Wizards guard should easily crack the Lakers’ Top 10. 

“The Washington Wizards acquired Malcolm Brogdon in a trade centered around Carlton Carrington, a 2029 first-round draft pick, and two second-round selections,” Lake Show Life’s Maxwell Ogden wrote Sunday. 

“This isn’t to say that they view Brogdon as purely expendable, but the move was clearly made with the intention of building for the future.”

“With this in mind, it stands to reason that the Lakers could persuade the Wizards to execute a trade that centers around draft picks—thus opening the door for a wildly beneficial acquisition.”

“Between 2020-21 and 2023-24, Brogdon averaged 17.6 points, 5.1 assists, 4.6 rebounds, 0.8 steals, and 2.1 three-point field goals made on .458/.395/.856 shooting.”

“Beyond the numbers, he’s a high-IQ guard who can play with or without the ball, and defends at a more than adequate level.”

“With Brogdon in the fold, the Lakers would have a player they could either start or task with leading the second unit—and the 2022-23 Sixth Man of the Year could excel equally in either role.”

“Los Angeles would need to match a hefty salary, as Brogdon is owed an expiring salary of $22.5 million.”

“That should excite Lakers fans more than it dissuades them from buying in, however, as his expiring contract gives the team the option to let him walk if it doesn’t work out.”

“Los Angeles could offer packages that either center around D’Angelo Russell or Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, and first-round compensation—meaning long-term contracts would be shed.”

Brogdon missed the first month of the season due to a thumb injury he suffered during the preseason. However, he’s been a reliable contributor for the Wizards since returning to the hardwood in mid-November. 

Brogdon averages 14.9 points on 55.1% shooting from the field and 35.7% shooting from beyond the arc on a 2-16 Wizards squad. 

While Brogdon fell short of a championship as a member of the Celtics during the 2022-23 campaign, the Virginia product won over the fanbase with his stout on-ball defense, underrated scoring, and sneaky-good athleticism.

Brogdon may not be the Lakers’ No. 1 trade target, but Los Angeles would be foolish to scoff at acquiring a two-way guard who can produce in any role.

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