Lakers trade pitch sends multiple assets to Clippers for $30M wing after Kawhi Leonard news

Teams across the NBA will try to benefit from what the Los Angeles Clippers are now going through. Losing five first-round picks, the Clippers will have to get very creative over the next couple of months and years to ensure they have a bright future. 

Making the wrong decisions would only worsen what's already an issue.

Among the teams that could benefit are the Los Angeles Lakers. Not that the Clippers and Lakers typically make a ton of trades together, but if both teams are willing to work something out, there's reason to believe that it could make sense to get a deal done. 

The Clippers have multiple players who could be a fit in the Lakers' system next to Luka Doncic, including his former Dallas Mavericks teammate Derrick Jones Jr. One trade pitch would send him to the other side of town.

Lakers would receive: Derrick Jones Jr.

Clippers would receive: Jaden Hardy, 2031 second-round pick (via WAS), 2032 second-round pick (via WAS), 2033 second-round pick (via LAL)

“For the very reason mentioned above: proven chemistry with Luka Doncic. Jones Jr. has already proven he can thrive as a two-way force alongside an elite shot-creator like Doncic, making him a highly strategic, low-risk fit for the Lakers.

“Proven Playoff Production: During the Mavericks’ 2024 Finals run, he served as their primary wing stopper. Across 22 games, he knocked down timely shots, averaging 9.1 points and 3.1 rebounds while shooting a reliable 37% from three,” Sai Mohan wrote.

Jones' ability to play well next to Doncic has already been proven, which is the biggest thing here. Everything the Lakers do will center on what they can do for Doncic, and that's been evident in this offseason's moves.

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