Can Cavs take advantage of Lakers’ desperation for a trade?

Can Cavs take advantage of Lakers’ desperation for a trade? A Direct Trade

The problem with trying to take advantage of the Los Angeles Lakers is that they aren’t exactly flush with assets. They have mortgaged their draft future to bring in Anthony Davis, and they stripped their roster free of young players and quality role players in subsequent trades for veterans, including the ill-fated Russell Westbrook deal. There’s not much left to offer.

A direct trade can follow one of two paths. The first is a deal involving Russell Westbrook and his massive expiring contract. This was potentially more viable before the trade for Donovan Mitchell, but it’s still possible now. If the Lakers are willing to give up two future unprotected first-round picks, the Cavs could take on Westbrook’s contract in exchange for Kevin Love and Caris LeVert.

The reason to do such a deal is to add a pair of premium draft assets in the Lakers’ 2027 and 2029 draft picks. They can then flip those for a wing, either this season or beyond. Losing Love and LeVert isn’t exactly fun, but it doesn’t affect the Cavs’ core and it gives the Lakers the same potential for cap space for next season.

The other path would be something small, likely swapping Cedi Osman with Kendrick Nunn. If the Lakers like the idea of a shooting wing more than another ball-handler (they’re starting to get overloaded with those), perhaps a Lakers’ second-round pick sweetens the pot enough for the Cavs, who don’t need to rely on Osman this year.

The long-term value play of the Westbrook-direct deal is intriguing, but ultimately not something Cleveland’s front office will entertain practically as it looks to win this season. If the Lakers come calling for a Cedi Osman deal the Cavs should probably take the call, but there isn’t much value here if Westbrook isn’t involved.