Lakers News: Massive Superstar Trade Target Opens Up Preferred Landing Options

Is this a risk the Purple and Gold should take?

After Philadelphia 76ers executive Daryl Morey closed off all trade talks surrounding guard James Harden, The Beard shared many thoughts about both his GM and the organization. 

Activating his player option with hopes for a trade out of Philly, Harden's request was denied by Morey causing some staggering comments and a strong stance that the guard would never play for the Sixers again. 

Though his desired destination was the Clippers this summer, the former MVP seemingly wants out by any means necessary through the most recent reports. 

James Harden is open to other potential destinations outside of the Clippers, per @AmicoHoops pic.twitter.com/hrP17Tz4NY

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 15, 2023

The situation could get very ugly as neither player or team want to budge on making either's request a possibility. Harden has already said he would never play under Morey's direction again while the GM stated the team wouldn't trade the Beard under any circumstance. 

With the Clippers missing out on a deal for Harden, the question now is who could possibly swoop in to acquire his services. 

Though he struggled with another postseason flameout in the spring, Harden still provides valuable scoring and playmaking ability from the guard position for any team. 

One of those teams might be the Lakers as they pursue another championship for the twilight of Lebron James' career alongside Anthony Davis. 

Extending Davis to a hefty contract tying him to LA for the foreseeable future, the Lakers could try going all out for another ring with said third star in Harden. 

Despite a star of Harden's quality, the Lakers experienced first hand what a big contract next to James and Davis did to their roster after Russell Westbrook's disastrous tenure with LA ended at the trade deadline. 

Such smart deadline moves and the idea to keep the playoff core together would be the wiser choice given Harden's expiring contract and the knowledge that the current Laker roster has already won together. 

Flawed as it might be, it'd be LA's best interest to run it back this season for a crack at banner #18 without the services of one of the most talented players of his generation. 

Are you following us on Twitter, Facebook, or YouTube yet? Join the conversation as we discuss the latest Lakers news and rumors with fans like you!