Anonymous NBA GM Suggest Lakers Go After Michael Porter Jr. In Order To Become Contenders

An anonymous NBA general manager has suggested that the Los Angeles Lakers should pursue Michael Porter Jr. via trade to bolster their roster and become legitimate title contenders once again. The Eastern Conference GM, speaking to Heavy Sports, highlighted Porter’s shooting prowess and fit within the Lakers' system as key reasons for targeting the Denver Nuggets forward.

"If they want to get better, that is who they’d go after. They need a gunner who is not afraid to shoot and they’d be much better off if he can be a 3-4 like LeBron, if he is not a size mismatch. A knockdown shooter who creates space, that’s the first step to getting them back to contender status again."

Porter has demonstrated his value against the Lakers in the past two postseasons, notably in the 2023 Western Conference Finals where he averaged 15.0 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, making 3.5 triples per contest despite shooting 40.8% from the field. 

His performance improved in the 2024 first-round series against the Lakers, where he averaged 22.8 points and 8.4 rebounds per game, converting 55.3% of his field-goal attempts and an impressive 48.8% from beyond the arc. His shooting ability, particularly from long range, would provide the Lakers with much-needed spacing and offensive firepower.

Acquiring Porter would likely make the Lakers' frontcourt one of the most explosive in the league. At 6-foot-10, Porter would complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis, adding size and scoring capability. Although, concerns remain regarding Porter’s defensive abilities. Pairing him with an aging LeBron, who turns 40 in December, could put undue defensive pressure on Davis, who would need to anchor the defense more heavily.

It remains uncertain whether the Nuggets are willing to part with Porter, especially given his significant contributions and status as their lone lottery selection since the 2018 draft. However, should Denver seek to shed Porter’s considerable salary for more financial flexibility, the Lakers might find an opportunity to swoop in and enhance their roster.

In conclusion, while Michael Porter Jr. could be a valuable addition to the Lakers, addressing the defensive implications and the feasibility of acquiring him from the Nuggets will be critical. If these challenges can be navigated, Porter’s scoring and shooting could be the key to reviving the Lakers' championship aspirations.

The Nuggets Are Highly Unlikely To Agree To This Trade

While Michael Porter Jr. might seem like an attractive target for the Lakers, the Nuggets are highly unlikely to agree to such a trade. Porter has shown consistent improvement year after year and has found a well-suited role within the Nuggets' system. 

This season, he averaged 16.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists, while shooting 48.4% from the field and 39.7% from three-point range. His performance underscores his value to the team, not just as a scorer but as a reliable and efficient shooter.

If he played for another team, Porter could easily be an All-Star, given his scoring ability and shooting efficiency. But, on the Nuggets, he is the third option behind Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, a role he has adjusted to exceptionally well. His ability to thrive in this role is crucial for the Nuggets' offensive spacing and overall game plan.

Additionally, the Nuggets are unlikely to make wholesale changes to their roster despite their second-round exit in the playoffs. The team remains a championship contender with a solid core, and their recent playoff performance showed that they are still a formidable force. 

The Minnesota Timberwolves needed seven games to defeat them, and the Nuggets' collapse in Game 7 is viewed more as an anomaly than a sign of a deeper issue.

The Nuggets' focus is more likely to be on making minor tweaks and improvements to their bench rather than altering their core roster. The chemistry and balance within their current lineup are crucial, and trading away a key piece like Porter could disrupt the cohesion that has been built over the past few seasons.

Moreover, Porter's contract situation makes a trade less appealing for the Nuggets. His salary is significant, but his production and potential upside provide good value for the team. Trading him away could create a gap that would be challenging to fill, both in terms of on-court performance and financial flexibility.

While acquiring Michael Porter Jr. would be a significant boost for the Lakers, the Nuggets are highly unlikely to agree to such a trade. Porter's role, performance, and the team's overall strategy make it improbable that Denver would part with their talented forward.