The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly engaged in trade discussions with the Houston Rockets regarding Steven Adams, who leads the team in net rating, rebounding, and screening statistics.

In the ever-evolving NBA landscape, trade rumors and speculation are part of the drama that defines the league. Recently, there have been reports that the Los Angeles Lakers have engaged in trade discussions with the Houston Rockets regarding Steven Adams. According to The Athletic, the deal, if it goes through, could have significant ramifications for both teams as the Lakers attempt to bolster their roster for a potential championship run, while the Rockets explore avenues for further development and asset allocation.

Steven Adams, the veteran center known for his dominant presence in the paint, rebounding prowess, and screen-setting abilities, has become a focal point in the conversation due to his impressive performance with the Houston Rockets. Over the last 30 games, Adams has led the team in net rating (+11.3), a significant metric that reflects his positive impact on both ends of the floor. Additionally, his per-minute rebounding statistics—leading the NBA in offensive rebounds (7.7 OREB per 36 minutes)—highlight his value on the boards. Moreover, Adams’ ability to set hard screens is an often-overlooked skill that could provide a major boost to any team with aspirations of competing at a high level.

In this piece, we’ll dive into what a potential trade for Adams would mean for both the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets, considering the strengths and weaknesses of each team, the fit of Adams in Los Angeles, and the possible future for the Rockets.

The Current Situation for the Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are currently in the midst of a championship window, with LeBron James still at the top of his game and Anthony Davis continuing to be one of the most dominant big men in the league. However, the Lakers’ championship aspirations are contingent on their ability to surround their stars with the right supporting cast. The trade rumors involving Steven Adams suggest that the Lakers may be looking to solidify their frontcourt depth and provide more protection on the boards, areas where the team has historically struggled.

Why Steven Adams Makes Sense for the Lakers

1. Rebounding and Physicality:
   The Lakers have always been a team that values physicality, and the addition of Steven Adams would undoubtedly enhance their presence in the paint. Despite having talented players like Davis and James, the Lakers have had their struggles with rebounding in recent seasons, especially against larger, more physical teams. Adams’ ability to grab offensive boards at an elite level would provide the Lakers with more second-chance opportunities and reduce the number of possessions for their opponents.

   Adams is one of the best in the league at offensive rebounding, with an average of 7.7 offensive boards per 36 minutes. His tenacity on the glass would allow the Lakers to win the battle for possessions, which could be a critical factor in games against teams with strong frontcourts, such as the Denver Nuggets or the Milwaukee Bucks.

2. Screen Setting and Floor Spacing:
   One of Steven Adams’ most underrated skills is his ability to set solid screens. For a team like the Lakers, who rely heavily on LeBron James’ ball-dominant style of play, a player who can set effective screens is invaluable. Adams’ screens would help free up shooters and give James and other guards the room they need to operate in the halfcourt offense. This aspect of his game could significantly improve the Lakers’ pick-and-roll efficiency and overall offensive flow.

   Additionally, Adams’ ability to create space on the floor could complement the shooting of players like Malik Beasley, Austin Reaves, and other Lakers shooters. While Adams is not a floor-spacing big man in the traditional sense, his physicality and ability to occupy space in the paint could open up more room for the Lakers’ perimeter players to thrive.

3. Defensive Presence:
   Although Adams is not known for being a traditional shot-blocker like Davis, his size and strength provide an invaluable defensive presence around the rim. His ability to box out, contest shots, and disrupt plays in the paint would be a significant asset for the Lakers. As they look to improve their defense in the postseason, Adams could provide a more physical option to handle opposing bigs like Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, or Giannis Antetokounmpo.
4. Veteran Leadership:
   The Lakers are a team filled with veterans, and adding a seasoned player like Adams could help stabilize the locker room. Adams is known for his leadership, toughness, and unselfish nature on the court. Having a player who embraces a blue-collar mentality and prioritizes team success could help strengthen the Lakers’ cohesion as they make a push for the postseason. His experience in big games with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Memphis Grizzlies would make him a calming influence when the pressure mounts.

The Trade Scenario: What Would the Lakers Give Up?

In any trade for Steven Adams, the Lakers would likely need to part with valuable assets, including players and potentially draft picks. While the exact details of the deal are unknown, it’s likely that the Lakers would need to send out players to match salaries and facilitate the trade. Possible candidates could include:

• Thomas Bryant – A backup center with scoring and rebounding abilities, Bryant could be a potential piece for the Rockets in this trade.
• Damian Jones – Another center option for the Lakers, Jones would give the Rockets an additional big man to develop.
• Future Draft Picks – The Lakers could include future draft assets to sweeten the deal, especially given that the Rockets are in a rebuilding phase and could benefit from young prospects or picks.

The Lakers’ flexibility with their roster could help them make a deal for Adams without sacrificing too much of their core. However, any trade would likely come down to the Lakers’ willingness to part with some of their depth in order to bolster their frontcourt.

The Houston Rockets’ Perspective: Why Move Steven Adams?

The Houston Rockets, a team in the midst of a rebuild, may find themselves in a position where trading Steven Adams is the right move to further their long-term development. While Adams has been excellent on the court for the Rockets, his age (29) and skill set might not align with the team’s timeline. The Rockets are in a phase where they are developing young talent such as Jalen Green, Alperen Şengün, and Jabari Smith Jr., and might look to continue building around their future stars.

Why the Rockets Could Benefit from Trading Adams

1. Rebuilding and Asset Accumulation:
   As the Rockets continue their rebuild, it makes sense for them to trade Adams, especially if they can acquire future assets such as draft picks or young players. By moving a veteran like Adams, the Rockets could clear more playing time for younger players and continue developing their core without the presence of a veteran who may not be part of their long-term plans.
2. Financial Flexibility:
   Adams is on a sizeable contract, and trading him could open up additional financial flexibility for the Rockets. If they can move Adams for assets that align more closely with their future direction, they could also position themselves to make a bigger splash in free agency or during the 2024-2025 season.
3. Developing the Young Core:
   While Adams brings a wealth of experience and leadership, the Rockets might want to continue giving more playing time to their younger players like Şengün, Smith Jr., and Green. The move would allow these players to take on bigger roles and develop chemistry together. By trading Adams, Houston would not only clear up more minutes for their young players but also gain the opportunity to add pieces that could be part of their future.

What the Rockets Would Gain in a Potential Trade

The Rockets would likely focus on receiving players who can contribute to their rebuild and provide a solid foundation moving forward. Young assets like Thomas Bryant or Damian Jones, along with potential draft picks, would give the Rockets an opportunity to build depth and flexibility, whether through player development or further trades down the road.

 Will This Trade Happen?

The rumored trade talks between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets regarding Steven Adams could be one of the more intriguing moves of the offseason. If the Lakers acquire Adams, they would add a dynamic and gritty presence to their frontcourt, solidifying their chances to compete for a championship. On the other hand, the Rockets would move an aging veteran to continue building around their young core and future assets.

For the Lakers, the move would be all about immediate impact—getting a player who can help them contend for a title now. For the Rockets, the deal would reflect a long-term vision, focusing on asset accumulation and development.

While this trade is still speculative, both teams could benefit from the move. The real question now is whether the Lakers are willing to part with the necessary assets to bring Steven Adams to Los Angeles. Only time will tell, but if this deal comes to fruition, it will have far-reaching implications for the NBA’s power structure moving forward.