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Could the Lakers Trade for James Harden? Haven’t They Learned From the Russell Westbrook Fiasco? 

Published 10/27/2023, 7:40 PM EDT

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The James Harden-76ers drama is yet to come to an end. Harden had joined in for practice this week. But he was reportedly barred from joining the team for the trip to the season opener against the Bucks. The NBA has said it will investigate Harden’s availability for the 76ers‘ season-opening road trip. They say it is to “determine whether an approved reason exists for his lack of participation.” 

With the talk with LA Clippers, James preferred destination in a pause, one does wonder if there is another option. Is there another team that the veteran guard could possibly find a home in?

A possible trade to the Lakers 

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While talking to the NBA on ESPN, Former NBA player Kendrick Perkins, had a different suggestion. He shared that the Lakers would be the better option for Harden.

“If I’m the Lakers, I might be looking to trade for James Harden.” Perkins said.

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“He wants to go to the Clippers, but to be honest with you, Harden to the Lakers makes the most sense for Anthony Davis. If you want to get him good easy looks like James did for Joel Embiid last season, how about trading for him?” 

The creation of a potential superteam might seem enticing. And from the way the Lakers have been forming since the start of this regular season, this would not be a bad option.

Perkins also added, “I think you can start trading around December 15, if you try to throw in D’Angelo Russell. If I’m the Lakers, and if I’m Harden, I will re-consider just picking the Clippers and actually want to be in LA to be with the Los Angeles Lakers.”

Read More : Despite “Untouchable” Status, Daryl Morey and Co Adamant on 27YO Clippers Starlet In Any James Harden Deal 

Before making such a decision, the Lakers do have to remember what happened the last time they tried to bring together three big players. 

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The debacle of the 2022-23 season 

Last season ended horribly for the Lakers. They began the season 0–5, a first for Lebron since his rookie season. They were also eliminated from playoff contention. This was not what they envisioned when Russell Westbrook was signed the past summer. Both LeBron and Davis had hoped that with him in the team, they would be strong. 

That didn’t happen. The point guard averaged 18.5 points per game, his lowest since his second season in the league. And the Lakers’ dream of a big 3 came crashing down as injuries limited the trio to just 21 games together.

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Watch This Story: James Harden Gets a Bombshell Update on Trade Saga Amid Controversial Return to Sixers Training Camp

So, will the signing of Harden be in their favor? Or is it just another disaster waiting to happen? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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Written by:

Ruth John S

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Ruth John S is an NBA author at EssentiallySports. With a profound love for the written word, she pursued English as her major for both her undergraduate and postgraduate studies, laying the foundation for her exceptional storytelling skills. Her passion for journalism only enhanced her creative endeavor.
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Edited by:

Aayush Kapoor