Lakers trade idea brings in Cavaliers All-Star, and it would be thanks to LeBron James

The Los Angeles Lakers would love to add a player who could come in and make an impact for them on the defensive side of the basketball. They've already attempted to do so this offseason by trading for Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade deal with the Utah Jazz, but there's certainly a feeling that more could be done. 

Even if the Lakers were to add another defensive-minded center, I don't think it's a bad idea, given how dominant some centers are in the Western Conference. That's why the latest prediction that the Lakers will make a move for Jarrett Allen of the Cleveland Cavaliers shouldn't be discredited.

“If the hometown king is actually making his triumphant return to the shores of Lake Erie, someone has to serve as the structural salary ballast. Jarrett Allen remains an elite drop-coverage anchor and a clinical rim-finisher, but Cleveland’s front office must sacrifice high-end frontcourt utility to absorb a historic salary-cap footprint. For a Lakers team looking to instantly redefine its physical baseline in a post-LeBron environment, Allen represents the perfect modern defensive centerpiece,” Joe Cervenka wrote.

Allen and Kessler are similar players in that both can block shots at an elite level, are high-level defenders, and do many little things that contribute to winning. 

My only concern for the Lakers is both of them on the offensive side of the basketball at the same time. Even with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves out there, there could be some problems with that.

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