3 for 1 deal! How feasible is Rowe joining the Lakers?

The Lakers' operations may not be over yet.

The latest report from NBA reporter Jake Weinbach, in order to continue to enhance the depth of the inside, the Lakers have inquired about Trail Blazers center Rowe, but it is not known whether the Trail Blazers are listening to these offers.

The reporter also said that the chips provided by the Lakers may be Kneckett, Kleber, and the second round pick in 2032.

It should be noted that this is not the first time that the Lakers Trail Blazers have appeared in the trading plan for Rowe. Previously, the US media NBA Analysis also simulated the trading possibility of both sides, but at that time the Lakers gave Kneckett (why you are again), Vincent, and the second round pick in 2032.

In addition, according to Fadeaway World senior contributor Eddie Bitar, sources revealed that the Lakers are now the main leader in Rowe's next home, and their momentum has surpassed the Warriors, Celtics, Bucks and other teams, and the Lakers also regard it as the number one trading target.

On the well-known "mathematics" website in the United States, the Lakers are now ranked first (+185), followed by the Warriors (+255), the Bucks + (375), and the Celtics (+475).

Rowe joined the Lakers? Objectively speaking, the possibility is not without it.

First of all, for the Lakers, although they have already obtained Ayton and Hayes, the Lakers' inside defense is still a problem. Rowe is not only able to eat the cake, but also the second team of the league's best defensive team three years ago.

was selected for the second defense season, and Rowe also helped the Celtics reach the finals and sent 17 blocks in the finals. Even Curry praised his franchise protection ability. The latter once described Rowe: "Rowe is the reason why the Celtics have excellent defense. No matter where they were in the last second, he will always be by your side."

Secondly, for the Trail Blazers, the Trail Blazers have entered the reconstruction period, with Klingen and Yang Hansen in the interior, respectively, the No. 7 pick in the first round in 24 and No. 16 pick in the first round in 25, which are both key training targets.

With these two young men, Rowe will definitely not play much time. Considering that Rowe will have a contract year next season, with an annual salary of 13.29 million, if he is sent away, he will get some positive assets, the Trail Blazers will definitely be happy.

Here, I have to say a few more words. Originally, most fans thought that Klingen had the first center, Loway's second center, and Yang Hansen had the third center at the beginning of the season. It would be a good thing for his future development in the middle and late season.

Finally, let's take a look at Rowe's current level.

Since being traded to the Trail Blazers in 2023, Rowe has only played 26 games in two seasons, averaging 18 minutes per game, scoring 6.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks, and shooting percentage of 64.4%.

In the previous 22-23 season, Rowe played 35 games, averaging 20 minutes per game, scoring 8.0 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks, and shooting percentage was as high as 74.7%.

Zoom in to the past four seasons, Rowe has reached +3.1, +2.4, +2.9, and +3.2 respectively, and his career defense BPM is +3.1.

Objectively speaking, the healthy Rowe is really good, with extremely high efficiency in eating cakes, and has frame protection and rebounds. If the Lakers get him, their inside defense will definitely be enhanced, and his ability to eat cakes is also very suitable for Doncic and James.

But the problem is that Rowe is too unhealthy. He only played 61 games in three years, and he missed 60 games per season on average. I'm afraid all teams will hesitate after watching it. This is also the reason why the Trail Blazers were unable to send Rowe away for a long time.

Considering this factor, are the Lakers really going to try to get Rowe? Personally, I think the answer should be no.

Judging from the news revealed by the media, if you want to get Rowe, the Lakers will definitely play Kneckett and the 2032 second round pick. Although Kneckett was DNP last season's playoffs, at least in the regular season, he is still a rotation that can play for 15-20 minutes.

And if the other chip is Vincent, then the Lakers are even more unworthy of the gains. After all, the defense in the backcourt was not good, and relying on Smart alone should not solve the problem.

In fact, the best time to get Rowe is not this offseason, but in February next year. If Rowe has not been traded by the Trail Blazers, there is a high probability that he will be bought out.

In order to increase exposure and obtain a contract, it should be quite possible for Rowe to join the Lakers. After all, as a center in the pancake, who doesn’t want to partner with Doncic?

For the Lakers, it is definitely a good thing that Rowe can come, but there is no need to be too anxious now, at least you don’t have to send away assets, including Kneckett for him. If you can buy out and sign in February next year, it would be okay to wait for a few months.

As for Rowe, he was really amazing in 2022. He blocked all kinds of blocks in the finals that year, and even knocked out Curry's throws. However, since he was traded by the Celtics, his attendance rate is really bad. Whether he is in the Trail Blazers next season, I hope he can at least play first.