Lakers Acquire Wizards Veteran Star in Trade Proposal

The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off one of the great heists in NBA history just a few months ago, stealing one of the faces of the game in Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Anthony Davis and some pieces.

The move was intended to shore up the Lakers' future, providing a bridge to the next decade of competitive hoops with LeBron James venturing into his 40s. The trade wasn't a win-now move, but they still ended up winning 60 games and entering the playoffs as the #3 seed without much of any depth.

Their over-reliance on the depleted Doncic and the league's oldest player showed in a first round gentleman's sweep at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves, a team with an actual rotation staffed with shooters and rebounders. The Lakers couldn't hang, but now it's actually time to augment their stars with quality role players.

The Washington Wizards could have some players to pique Los Angeles General Manager Rob Pelinka's interest, with one of their veteran leaders coming off a statistically strong stop in DC. Marcus Smart was named by the Times of India as a defender and locker room leader for the Lakers to potentially bring in through trade, sending some assorted parts back to Washington in return.

Smart, who's set to earn the final $21.6 million owed to him from the four-year deal he signed in Boston, will entertain some interest as a juicy expiring contract at a manageable price.

The longtime defensive stalwart continued to impress his stopping chops unto the Wizards' young core in 15 games in Washington, and shot near 40% from deep in more of a platoon role than he's generally played throughout his illustrious career.

The Lakers could benefit from a gruff veteran in their locker room, as they noticeably lacked in any reliable reserve guards in their five game exit from the postseason dance last month. Gabe Vincent was the only one who sniffed any minutes, and Smart offers considerably superior defender with comparable shooting.

The trade proposal would see Washington take back Vincent and Jarred Vanderbilt on manageable contracts, along with a second round pick. That would be the real asset of a deal, even though the Wizards will likely hold out to see how much draft capital they can entertain before making such a swap.

Smart's already done his duty to the Wizards' front office, as he brought the Memphis Grizzlies' unprotected first round pick with him in his recent midseason move over to DC. That pick materialized into #18 in this month's draft.

The Wizards should listen to any offers for their older contributors, but they should continue prioritizing team-building assets over fringe-rotation journeymen in analyzing potential returns.