Howard has been the apple of Los Angeles' eye for quite some time, having been considered a target of the Lakers for months now, yet is that really a route the Lakers take to exploring at this point?
Compared to Andrew Bynum, Howard is a clear upgrade, but in order to obtain him, Los Angeles will have to relinquish at the very least both Bynum and Lamar Odom. Most view this as an acceptable price tag for Howard and his 22.9 points, 14.1 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game; however, while the Orlando Magic center is a clear upgrade over Bynum, the Lakers would be left with a strong need for a solid role player.
Odom may be 31 years old, but he averaged 14.4 points and 8.7 rebounds per game last season, continuing to be an asset on both ends of the floor. That being said, it has become common knowledge that the acquisition of another superstar is going to require that Odom become collateral damage. Lakers fans may struggle to accept it, but it is a reality.
This being the case, though, why should Los Angeles give up Bynum too? He is a capable big man who can both defend and score, and while his development has progressed slower than anticipated, he is still growing. It would be better if the Lakers could somehow substantially upgrade their roster in a way that doesn't still leave them with a visible hole.
Enter Monta Ellis.
Back in June, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that the Golden State Warriors had Ellis-related trade discussions with the Lakers. Many have deemed this a bad move, citing both players' need for the ball as the reason that a backcourt of Ellis and Bryant wouldn't work.
I say otherwise.
Ellis is extremely versatile and e...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
