Getty LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns.
The Los Angeles Lakers, like many teams around the league, have trended away from the “big three” model, opting instead for a strong supporting cast around a pair of star players.
The new model isn’t working as well as they’d hoped, though, and the team could be ripe for an opportunity to revert to form a new big three with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant just might be that opportunity.
“You talk to people in Phoenix and around that organization, they can feel the frustration with Durant,” ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski said December 25 on “NBA Countdown.” “This is something they’re going to have to manage in Phoenix with Kevin Durant.”
The Lakers could swoop in with a trade proposal and go all-in to form a new superteam in the twilight of James’ career.
In a hypothetical trade, the Lakers would get:
– Kevin Durant
Suns would get:
– D’Angelo Russell
– Rui Hachimura
– Taurean Prince
– Max Christie
– 2029 first-round pick
– 2030 first-round pick swap
Durant has been traded twice in his career — to the Brooklyn Nets in 2019 and to the Suns in February 2023.
Like the Lakers (16-15), the Suns (14-15) have struggled of late, winning just three of their last 12 games. Injuries – mostly to Bradley Beal – have stunted the Suns’ progress, leaving the organization scrambling to right the ship without the proper assets to pursue upgrades, Wojnarowski said.
“There’s a lot at stake for this organization,” he said. “It’s gotta change soon.”
“KD should leave SUNS,” former NBA guard Brandon Jennings posted on X, formerly Twitter, on December 26. “They cursed man. He don’t deserve this.”
Lakers Built to Withstand Trade for Kevin Durant
Russell has been mentioned in trade rumors since the offseason, when he re-signed on a two-year, $36 million contract and waived his implied no-trade privileges. His recent move to the bench only bolsters the idea that he could be involved in substantial trade offers.
Though he is more of a scorer than a true point guard, he would give the Suns the lead guard they don’t currently have.
Hachimura grew close to James this past offseason and signed three-year, $51 million contract that does not allow the Lakers to trade him before January 15. He dealt with injuries and inconsistency earlier in the season but is averaging 12.3 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists over the last 10 games.
Christie has flashed in limited opportunities, despite averaging a modest 4.3 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists in just over four minutes per game across 22 appearances. In his six starts this season, Christie has averaged 6.7 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists.
Prince would arguably be the biggest loss. He’s started all 29 of his appearances and is shooting 39.4% from beyond the arc.
But the Lakers could be light on options, per Wojnarowski. Going big could be the best option.
The Lakers could offer this or something similar and still boast depth around a star trio of Durant, James and Davis. Phoenix could insist on the inclusion of Austin Reaves, a coveted contributor around the league.
The Lakers have shown no interest in parting with Reaves, 25. Trading for the mercurial – and older – Durant might not be worth changing that stance for.
They are limited in draft capital they can send. Durant’s history could help them in that regard.
Kevin Durant Pushes Back on Insider’s Claims
Durant has never been shy about interacting with fans on social media, and this time is no different. He came out in apparent denial of Wojnarowski’s claims.
“Woj says someone else ‘feels’ that I’m frustrated and it turned into me being mentally checked out,” Durant said in response to a fan on Instagram on December 26. “This s*** is crazy, these people can flat out lie on my name and make s*** up and you people will believe it but when my teammates and coaches speak on how I am as a teammate, u ignore it.”
Durant is in the second year of a four-year, $194 million contract.