Cavs should follow the Lakers’ lead with their Russell Westbrook decision
What Cavs should do with LeVert instead
That brings up the question of what the Cavs should do with Caris LeVert if he is not starting. They should absolutely be looking into options to trade him for a small forward who would be a better fit. However, if the Cavs don’t love the offers they don’t need to move him, and similar to the Lakers and Westbrook should then move LeVert into a bench role.
LeVert’s on-ball creation is less redundant if one of Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell is off the floor, especially before Ricky Rubio returns from his injury. Playing him at the 2 lessens the need for him to bring elite defense, with a number of strong defenders like Dean Wade, Lamar Stevens and Raul Neto working into the rotation around him.
LeVert can also roast opposing bench defenders, as most teams have softer spots to attack coming off of the bench. It’s unlike he would play much without one of Garland or Mitchell, which means at worst he will be facing the opponent’s second-best defender in bench lineups, an advantage for a player who is still very gifted at attacking offensively. Comparing him to his All-Star backcourt teammates is tough; comparing him to opposing bench guards shines a much better light.
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Doing anything the current Lakers regime does seems questionable, but in this one area they seem to have the right of it. Building trust with a player and walking them through such a move to the bench can be difficult, but ultimately if the Cavs can help LeVert make that transition they will be better set up for on-court success.