An unexpected Los Angeles Lakers trade target emerged on Tuesday.
According to Action Network and Hardwood Paroxysm’s Matt Moore, a 27-year-old former Denver Nuggets NBA champion forward could land with the Lakers when it’s all said and done.
“Have heard about a lot of talks between the Lakers and Nets the past two years and they did the DFS (Dorian Finney-Smith) trade already so there’s a relationship,” Moore wrote Tuesday. Claxton would be a very good get, but there’s also the possibility of their going in for MPJ (Michael Porter Jr).”
Porter, who some analysts believe has a legitimate chance of joining the Golden State Warriors this season, would be a tremendous offensive fit with JJ Redick and the Lakers.
The key to succeeding alongside a Luka Doncic-led organization is to maximize every catch-and-shoot opportunity that arises.
Fortunately for Porter, he does just that, as 40.5% career three-point shooting percentage validates his outstanding long-range shooting pedigree in the big leagues.
The problem is, the Lakers could also use a wing who gets after it on the defensive end, which has never Porter’s identity on the hardwood. In other words, Porter’s defensive limitations would make him a solid, but not great overall fit with Los Angeles this season.
Still, it’s worth keeping tabs on the 6-foot-10 veteran until the Feb. 5 trade deadline passes.
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