5 Malcolm Brogdon trades for Celtics after Marcus Smart move

5 Malcolm Brogdon trades for Celtics after Marcus Smart move: Los Angeles Lakers

Would the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers, two bitter rivals, make a trade? They’ve made three trades before, so why not consider another one?

As the Celtics look to add forward help behind Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, Jarred Vanderbilt would be a great addition, especially now that Marcus Smart is gone.

Vanderbilt’s defensive presence would give Boston a new stopper on that side of the ball, as well as someone rookie Jordan Walsh, a promising young defender, can learn from.

Meanwhile, Malik Beasley would give the Celtics some help at the shooting guard and small forward positions, which would be needed if they decide to move on from Malcolm Brogdon.

For the Lakers, this trade would see them give up on the D’Angelo Russell experiment and usher in a new point guard. One who could be a perfect fit next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Brogdon’s ability to thrive off the ball makes him an ideal option, as three-point shooting is always needed on teams led by James. Brogdon was a top three-point shooter this past season.

Plus, Brogdon is able to create for himself, giving the Lakers a flurry of offensive options in James, Davis, Brogdon, and Austin Reaves, should they bring him back.

Giving up Vanderbilt’s defensive presence may be something Lakers fans are against, but if it means a significant improvement on the offensive end, it could be worth it, especially considering they should still have Rui Hachimura.

Potential starting lineups

Celtics: Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Robert Williams, Kristaps Porzingis

Lakers: Malcolm Brogdon, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Anthony Davis