Time For a Change: 11 Players the Lakers Can Acquire for Andrew Bynum
Steve Nash is one of the best offensive point guards in NBA history.
He can shoot the ball with range, is a flawless free throw shooter, and is the best passer in the league. His ability to attack defenses is elite.
Nash averages 17 points and 11 assists per game.
Rumor has it that the Suns want to rebuild, and trading Nash would be the first step in a long rebuilding process.
Andrew Bynum could give the team a defensive presence, and could grow as an offensive player with the Suns.
1) Kevin Martin, G
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Stephen Jackson is one of the best scorers in the game. He has a knack for getting to the rim, and when he is hot from the outside, watch out.
Jackson is also a much-improved defender, as he averages about 1.4 steals per game and helps out rebounding with about five per game.
The Lakers can stick him in the rotation next to Bryant.
Michael Jordan, GM of the Bobcats, knows how important a center is in this game.
2) Devin Harris, PG
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Chauncey Billups has been the unquestioned leader wherever he plays.
He is a veteran point guard that can still score and distribute, as he averaged 16 points and five assists per game.
Billups is a bigger guard, but can still defend the quicker guards in the league.
The Nuggets are about to head into rebuilding mode, so trading Billups is probably a must.
3) Andre Iguodala, SG
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Andrea Bargnani, to some, has been a disappointment as a No. 1 overall pick. As for me, he's exactly what I thought he would be.
The 7-foot Bargnani is an elite scorer, and that is pretty much it.
He does not rebound well, especially for someone his size, and is not much of a defensive presence.
The Lakers though could use Bargnani as another scorer in their arsenal, and he could even start at small forward, and provide the Lakers with a consistent outside shot.
Though Bargnani does not seem like a franchise player, acquiring Bynum would allow the Raptors to build their team around him.
4) Tayshaun Prince, F
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Gerald Wallace, in what is considered a down season, is still averaging 15.2 points and 7.7 rebounds per game.
More importantly, Wallace is one of the best defensive players in the game. He can defend wing players and post players.
If he were to start at small forward, he'd be a more explosive element than incumbent starter Ron Artest.
The Bobcats can use a real center like Bynum, rather than project Kwame Brown.
5) Steve Nash, PG
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Josh Smith of the Atlanta Hawks is one of the most athletic and exciting players in the league.
He is great defensively and can legitimately defend each position on the court. He is quick enough to defend point guards and strong enough to go against centers.
Smith averages 16 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, and is a consistent shot blocker.
Smith could start at SF, PF, or even play the Lamar Odom role off of the bench.
Smith is a perfect guy to energize the lifeless Lakers, as he plays with passion and fire.
In Atlanta, Andrew Bynum could team with the undersized center Al Horford as one of the best post tandems in the league.
6) Stephen Jackson, G
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Though no one will ever consider Tayshaun Prince a superstar, he could be exactly what the Lakers need.
Prince averages 14.6 points per game, is a team player, plays pesky defense, and is a capable rebounder and distributor.
The Pistons could acquire Bynum and plug him into their young starting lineup.
7) Chauncey Billups, PG
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Chauncey Billups has been the unquestioned leader wherever he plays.
He is a veteran point guard that can still score and distribute, as he averaged 16 points and five assists per game.
Billups is a bigger guard, but can still defend the quicker guards in the league.
The Nuggets are about to head into rebuilding mode, so trading Billups is probably a must.
8) Andrea Bargnani, C
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Andrea Bargnani, to some, has been a disappointment as a No. 1 overall pick. As for me, he's exactly what I thought he would be.
The 7-foot Bargnani is an elite scorer, and that is pretty much it.
He does not rebound well, especially for someone his size, and is not much of a defensive presence.
The Lakers though could use Bargnani as another scorer in their arsenal, and he could even start at small forward, and provide the Lakers with a consistent outside shot.
Though Bargnani does not seem like a franchise player, acquiring Bynum would allow the Raptors to build their team around him.
9) Gerald Wallace, F
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Gerald Wallace, in what is considered a down season, is still averaging 15.2 points and 7.7 rebounds per game.
More importantly, Wallace is one of the best defensive players in the game. He can defend wing players and post players.
If he were to start at small forward, he'd be a more explosive element than incumbent starter Ron Artest.
The Bobcats can use a real center like Bynum, rather than project Kwame Brown.
10) Josh Smith, PF
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Josh Smith of the Atlanta Hawks is one of the most athletic and exciting players in the league.
He is great defensively and can legitimately defend each position on the court. He is quick enough to defend point guards and strong enough to go against centers.
Smith averages 16 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, and is a consistent shot blocker.
Smith could start at SF, PF, or even play the Lamar Odom role off of the bench.
Smith is a perfect guy to energize the lifeless Lakers, as he plays with passion and fire.
In Atlanta, Andrew Bynum could team with the undersized center Al Horford as one of the best post tandems in the league.
11) Chris Paul, PG
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Chris Paul is still the best point guard in the league, even if he is "struggling" this season.
Paul is an elite defender who causes a lot of turnovers, and is a strong offensive threat as well. He averages 16.6 points and 10 assists per game, with 2.58 steals.
Paul would give the Lakers the best backcourt in the league, and could provide the Lakers with a Big 4 of All-Stars, including Bryant, Gasol, and Odom.
The Lakers would have new life if Mitch Kupchak could somehow acquire Chris Paul.
The Hornets will have to eventually trade Paul because he is almost certain to leave in free agency in two years.
