Fansided

4 trades and signings to help the Lakers survive without Anthony Davis

By Steven Kubitza

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 12: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on February 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 12: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on February 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /
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JaVale McGee
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 14: JaVale McGee #6 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts to a play during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on February 14, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /

3. Acquire JaVale McGee

The Lakers and JaVale McGee are quite familiar with each other. He just won a ring with the team back in October and was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers a month later. Now he stands out as a great option to help his former team once again.

The Cavaliers have no reason to keep McGee at this point. He is on an expiring contract and the team has gone from a potential fringe contender back down to the bottom of the standings. That makes his a clear buyout candidate.

But since the Lakers just traded McGee to Cleveland, NBA rules prohibit a trade back or him signing with the Lakers this year. However, he can do so if he is traded to another team first and then cut. The Cavaliers and Lakers would have to find a third team to assist in such a deal, which is not out of the ordinary in the NBA.

The veteran has proven to be a reliable presence and is one reason why the Cavs haven’t totally fallen apart this season. He is averaging 5.6 rebounds per game in limited action and averages 1.5 blocks per game in his career.

McGee had a starting role with the Lakers during his two seasons in town and could return as a reserve. He is also someone the team may want to keep once Davis returns to maintain an unstoppable rotation of big men on defense. He could also provide much-needed energy off the bench if Gasol can’t live up to his past play.

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