The Cleveland Cavaliers could make Jarrett Allen available for trade offers this summer and it could very well solve all the Los Angeles Lakers’ problems. Ok, maybe not all of them, but it would certainly help them fill a massive hole as they look to build around both LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
According to a Bleacher Report story, the Cavs hinted that both Darius Garland and Allen aren’t untouchable. It’s a sign the Cavs have accepted the current core isn’t going to get it done and changes need to be made. That’s music to the Lakers’ ears as they desperately need a true center.
It’s a mutually beneficial move too if the Lakers pounce on Allen. The Cavs have been heavily scrutinized for running a two-big lineup with Allen and Evan Mobley. Well this would free them of that and let them add another scoring option and move Mobley to the center position.
For the Lakers, this gives them a true big, takes pressure off of 40-year-old LeBron to have to guard true centers and helps diversify their scheme. I’m not saying Allen will be the reason they win a championship. But it gets a lot more optimistic if they add him into the fold.
Would a trade for Jarrett Allen actually benefit the Los Angeles Lakers?
This sounds good in theory, but what would it take for the Lakers to actually acquire Allen from the Cavs. I’m sure the Cavs are going to want a player that can play the four while also being an offensive threat. Especially if they end up letting Garland go too, they’ll need more offensive help.
The Lakers attempted to trade Dalton Knecht once, he could be an option. Though I think Allen has more value than Mark Williams. In theory there’s probably multiple players involved in this trade, which could mean Issac Okoro could possibly be on the chopping block too.
If I’m LA, I’m doing everything I can to land Allen. Austin Reeves is probably the only player I’m holding on to. Everyone else is fair game. The Lakers need to add a center badly, that’s why the Minnesota Timberwolves were able to cruise past them in the first round.
I’m sure the Lakers are focused on building around Doncic at this point rather than James, but they could do both. Doncic showed how lethal he can be in the pick-and-roll so bringing Allen in would immediately improve this offense.
The Cavs are giving the Lakers the perfect gift. This shouldn’t take long to materialize once teams are allowed to make trades. It’s a win-win and could be what each team needs to get back into contention.