RUI & AUSTIN FOR ZION? WHO SAYS NO?Talk about a trade with a generational potential ceiling due to freakish talent but a horrifying nightmare floor due to poor personal injury and conditioning issues.Much as I love Austin and Rui, I would not trade them for Zion. He just does… https://t.co/sB38xbNNat— LakerTom (@LakerTom) April 3, 2025
I say no….Rui may be very important when LeBron retires….if he ever does……and Reaves is worth a top player and 1-2 1st round picks right now….Lakers can “Just Say No” to any lowball offers….and Williamson has baggage other than his midsection….okay….here’s a wild trade proposal, which is totally unfounded (as well as not checked for salary match….Knecht, Vanderbilt and a swap of 1st round picks for Williamson.
No
I say NO! Here’s my take on this trade scenario:
So, someone threw out the idea of trading Rui and Austin Reaves for Zion Williamson from the Pelicans. My response? Absolutely not—hard pass! Before even entertaining this notion, let’s ask the real question: Will Zion even *be* available? Since being drafted in 2019, he’s only played in 36% of his games—just 114 out of a possible 318. Sure, Zion is a generational talent, no question. But let’s not ignore the massive red flags here. Is it worth risking the future of our squad for a player who’s spent more time on the sidelines than on the court? Remember Greg Oden, anyone?
The Lakers thrive on reliability and chemistry; Rui and Austin bring that in spades. Why jeopardize all of that for uncertainty? Let’s not lose sight of the bigger picture!