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Lakers News: Here's How LA Can Land Damian Lillard After His Trade Request From Portland

It's finally happening!

Noel Sanchez

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Damian Lillard has finally done it ladies and gentlemen. After years of trying to stick around and work things out with the Portland Trailblazers, he has now officially requested to be traded elsewhere and we will very likely see him suiting up in a different uniform next season.

The news was first dropped by Adrian Wojnarowksi and it has NBA Twitter in shambles.

"ESPN Sources with @RamonaShelburne: Portland G Damian Lillard has requested a trade and the franchise is expected to work to accommodate him.:

How LA Can Get In The Mix

So three main teams have been listed as the favorite to land the seven-time All-Star and they are the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers. However, I think it's important to note that the Clippers have their eyes set on James Harden and the 76ers reportedly don't want to part ways with their young guard Tyrese Maxey.

So even though the Lakers aren't listed as one of the top teams to land him right now, it's pretty clear by now that we should never count out Rob Pelinka. One way that the Lakers can get this deal done would be to get D'Angelo Russell the big contract that he's been looking for with some team options and getting a sign and trade going with Portland. Obviously, one or both LA's newest draft picks this year would likely have to be included along with future draft compensation but getting Dame is a win-now move.

Seeing that Lillard will make over $45 million for the next two seasons, Austin Reaves' potential contract will certainly have to be 'Gilbert Arenas-esque' and start at around $12 million for each of the next two seasons with the following years being the ones that he gets paid like a star.

I do think that the Lakers will at least get on the phone with Portland's front office and see what a potential package could look like because when a player like Lillard becomes available, you have to at least hear out the details. The other option would be to trade Anthony Davis for Lillard but the point of this move would be to pair the two of them with LeBron James and the rest of LA's core.

Let's see where he ends up!

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Noel Sanchez
NOEL SANCHEZ

Noel is currently in his third year at California Polytechnic University of Pomona and is pursuing a B.A. in Communications with an emphasis in Multi-Media Journalism. He has always had a deep passion for sports and writing.

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