Could the Houston Rockets trade a key starter to the Los Angeles Lakers?
Most NBA transactions have settled for now, with the next significant event on the horizon being the start of training camp just before preseason kicks off. However, the Houston Rockets may still be looking to make trades.
Currently, the Rockets find themselves in a peculiar situation regarding their roster. They have Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun, two young players with genuine star potential. Additionally, the team acquired Dillon Brooks and Fred VanVleet last year to accelerate their efforts in building a playoff-contending roster.
The franchise has several paths it could pursue. They could either focus on developing their youth or trade away high-potential players for more immediate contributors, making strategic trades essential for the Rockets.
One option for the Rockets is to trade Brooks to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he could join LeBron James—an ironic twist given their history. In this scenario, Brooks could utilize his elite defensive skills and strong floor-spacing abilities to help Los Angeles compete at a high level, while Houston could bring in complementary players to support their young core.
The Rockets might acquire players like Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and multiple draft picks, helping to establish a long-term plan in Houston aimed at eventually creating a contending roster while also opening up rotation spots for their promising young talents.
This would be a bold move for Houston, as they would need to choose between focusing on immediate success or prioritizing player development, even if it means sacrificing competitiveness in the short term. While Brooks’ defense could help define the team’s identity now, he also has the capability to play a significant role on a contending team in Los Angeles.
It will be intriguing to see how the Rockets navigate their current roster as they continue to progress.
