Grade the Trade: Lakers land star guard from Mavericks in mock blockbuster

Grading the trade for the Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers would likely be thrilled if Kyrie Irving doesn't work in Dallas.

The Lakers' superstar LeBron James also has high respect for Irving, and it could cause him to opt into his player option next summer. I don't see James leaving Los Angeles in the first place, (even if he does opt out) but anything is possible in NBA free agency.

After this trade, the Lakers would be right there with the Denver Nuggets for the best team in the Western Conference. This team made the Western Conference Finals last season, and adding Irving to the team makes them even more deadly. LeBron and Kyrie have also already won a championship together, and know how to complement each other's game.

They also added Irving by giving up two role players and one first-round pick. That is much better value than the Mavericks gave up for Irving at the trade deadline last season.

As Reed mentioned in his story, this trade only happens if Dallas is struggling or if LeBron puts pressure on the Lakers to trade for Irving. If Dallas is thriving and the Lakers are doing just fine with the roster they have, this trade won't happen.

Potential starting lineup: Kyrie Irving, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Jarred Vanderbilt, Anthony Davis

This starting lineup is stacked, and they have plenty of depth coming off the bench.

The Lakers get an A- for this trade, as they land a star to play with James and Davis without giving up too much.