Grade The Trade: Lakers Land James Harden If Clippers Fail During The Season

The Lakers can profit off their bitter rival Clippers, acquiring former All-Star guard James Harden in a blockbuster trade proposal.

The Lakers might need to go all-in for the 2024-25 NBA season considering LeBron James will turn 40 years old sooner rather than later, and there could be rising pressure on Rob Pelinka to make a deal. Meanwhile, the Clippers are dealing with another injury situation with Kawhi Leonard and could be looking for a way to re-tool if their season goes off the rails. With both teams having different issues to deal with, we propose a blockbuster deal that sends James Harden to the Lakers and we grade this trade for both teams.

Proposed Trade Package

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: James Harden

Los Angeles Clippers Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, 2029 First-Round Pick

Los Angeles Lakers Create A Scary Big Three

The Los Angeles Lakers would create an imposing Big Three by acquiring James Harden to pair with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Harden’s playmaking and scoring ability would fit well alongside two superstars who thrive off ball movement and versatility. Harden led the league in assists in 2022-23, averaging 10.7 assists per game, and posted 8.5 assists per game last season with the Clippers. His scoring output is also there, at times, posting 16.6 points per game on 42.8% shooting from the field and 38.1% from beyond the arc. Adding Harden’s elite passing to the Lakers’ offense would provide LeBron and Davis with consistent looks in both transition and half-court sets.

Additionally, Harden’s offensive prowess as a ball-handler would allow LeBron to focus more on facilitating and scoring without needing to constantly orchestrate the offense. This could extend LeBron's career by reducing his workload and ensuring he stays fresh throughout the season and playoffs. With Harden’s ability to break down defenses and command attention, Davis would also benefit from better spacing and fewer double teams in the post. Harden’s knack for drawing fouls and putting pressure on defenses would open up driving lanes and three-point opportunities, adding a dynamic layer to the Lakers’ offense that was missing in the 2023-24 season.

However, there are concerns about Harden’s playoff performances and defensive consistency. His tendency to struggle in key playoff moments has been well-documented, and the Lakers need a player who can deliver when it matters most. That said, playing alongside two proven champions in LeBron and Davis might reduce the pressure on Harden to carry the offensive load, allowing him to thrive in a more balanced role. With LeBron aging and Davis dealing with frequent injuries, Harden could serve as the reliable third star the Lakers need to make a deep playoff run in a highly competitive Western Conference.

Los Angeles Clippers Start Their Rebuild

For the Los Angeles Clippers, this trade would mark the beginning of a necessary rebuild if their season does not go as planned. With Kawhi Leonard struggling with injuries over the past few seasons and Paul George gone in free agency, the Clippers may feel that their championship window is closing. Trading James Harden for a package of younger players and future assets would give them an opportunity to reshape their roster while staying competitive.

D’Angelo Russell would bring scoring and playmaking to the Clippers, having averaged 18.0 points and 6.3 assists per game last season. Russell’s ability to shoot from three (41.5%) and operate as a primary or secondary playmaker would make him a useful asset for a Clippers team looking to pivot. Rui Hachimura would also provide the Clippers with a young forward who has shown flashes of promise. After joining the Lakers midseason, Hachimura elevated his game, averaging 13.6 points on 53.7% shooting from the field and 42.2% from beyond the arc last season.

The 2029 first-round pick would further solidify the Clippers’ long-term planning, giving them a valuable asset in a future draft, potentially allowing them to either select a young prospect or package it in another trade. While the Clippers would lose a superstar in Harden, the addition of Russell and Hachimura could keep them competitive in the short term while also positioning them for the future.

What Grade Should This Trade Get?

Los Angeles Lakers: B+

The Lakers would receive a B+ for this trade because of the immediate impact James Harden could have on their championship hopes. Adding a player of Harden’s caliber would undoubtedly bolster their offense and give LeBron and Davis a legitimate third star. Harden’s playmaking and scoring would address some of the Lakers' biggest weaknesses, especially in the backcourt. However, there are concerns about Harden’s fit, particularly with his playoff inconsistency and defensive limitations. While this trade could make the Lakers a more dangerous team, there is a level of risk involved given Harden’s history. Still, the Lakers are in win-now mode, and acquiring Harden could be the push they need to contend for a title before LeBron’s window closes.

Los Angeles Clippers: B-

The Clippers would receive a B- for this trade, as it represents a solid but not groundbreaking return for James Harden. While they get younger and add valuable assets in Russell, Hachimura, and a future first-round pick, they are giving up an All-Star-level talent. The trade doesn’t position them to immediately contend for a championship, but it does give them a reasonable path toward retooling around Kawhi Leonard and Paul George or preparing for a potential rebuild. Russell and Hachimura are both quality players, but neither has proven to be a franchise cornerstone. The first-round pick is an important addition, but it won’t come into play for several years. The trade offers balance, but it lacks the star power that could propel the Clippers to the top of the Western Conference.

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Grade The Trade: Lakers Land James Harden If Clippers Fail During The Season

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