NBA Trade Deadline 2019: One trade every team should make

ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 17: Center Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket against Center JaVale McGee #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the game at the Amway Center on November 17, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. The Magic defeated the Lakers 130 to 117. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JANUARY 04: Robin Lopez #42 of the Chicago Bulls walks across the court in the second quarter against the Indiana Pacers at the United Center on January 04, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

For the first time in what seems like forever, a team with LeBron James on it might not make the playoffs. The Lakers are on the outside looking in as of publishing, with James still out recovering from a groin injury. Lonzo Ball is out for a few weeks, and Rajon Rondo isn’t healthy at the moment either. If they’re going to be a playoff team, they need to make a change, and their best trade asset is Brandon Ingram.

This is a move that looks improve their roster this season while also freeing up money in the offseason. Lopez is a free agent, and Hutchison makes about $4 million less than Ingram. For the Lakers to have space for two max contracts in the offseason, they’ll need that $4 million as they try to become title contenders with LeBron James.

If the Lakers don’t make a trade by the deadline, don’t be surprised if the Lakers season ends with them as a lottery team. James hasn’t been in any rush to return back from his injury, recognizing that his long term health is more important than making the playoffs only to lose in the first round. Perhaps the remainder of the season will be a chance for Luke Walton to develop the younger players for their next head coach. Perhaps James will come back, the Lakers will reel off a 14 game win streak, and they’ll be able to host a series in the first round. It all hinges on James.

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