The Lakers assumed they would acquire the former Warriors star in a “high-risk, high-reward” deal

The Los Angeles Lakers are hoping to make a risk-free trade this season to bolster their roster.

However, the franchise could gamble and take a chance on a former Golden State Warriors star who shines with the Washington Wizards.

“The Lakers are bringing a former champion back to the roster (Jordan Poole) and taking on the liability of his long-term, expensive contract, which the Golden State Warriors had to give up to the Wizards just a year after extending the contract,” Ishaan Bhattacharya of Fadeaway World wrote on Monday.

“(D’Angelo) Russell and (Gabe) Vincent provide long-term salary relief for the Wizards as the Lakers hope to tame the inconsistent Poole and become their franchise’s leading guard-scorer.”

“Anyone who has watched the Lakers through the first 20 games of the season can see that the franchise simply does not have the depth on its roster to maintain a consistent level of offensive production over 48 minutes.”

“When the shooters are hot, it’s a good night, but when they’re cold, the Lakers’ entire offense seems to grind to a halt.”

“They need more creative, ball-smart attacking talent in the squad, with Jordan Poole arguably the best player they can bring in without spending long-term assets.”

“Poole is averaging 21.0 points, 4.9 assists and 2.3 rebounds this season while shooting 42.1% from three in a bounce-back year after a terrible debut season with the franchise.”

“The Lakers will have legitimate concerns about Poole’s hiring, something LeBron (James) certainly heard about from his close friend Draymond Green during his public rivalry with Poole with the Warriors.”

“But if he brings his offensive ingenuity to the Lakers, they would be a completely transformed franchise.”

Bhattacharya’s proposed trade would send Russell, Vincent and a 2025 second-round pick to the Wizards for Poole.

Just three seasons ago, Poole was having the time of his life playing alongside Steph Curry and Klay Thompson in Golden State.

The Michigan product played a pivotal role in the Warriors’ cinematic pursuit of the 2022 championship, scoring 18.5 points in the regular season and 17 points in the postseason.

However, an unfortunate incident between Poole and Green ultimately led to Poole’s downfall as a warrior.

After Green’s violent punch to Poole’s unprotected face during an October practice, Poole’s performance took a significant dip, forcing the Warriors to trade him to the Wizards in July 2023.

While Poole is Washington’s leading scorer this season, the NBA champion’s shot selection, decision-making and overall maturity leave much to be desired.

Laker fans may want Los Angeles to avoid pursuing Poole on the trade market, but if the Milwaukee, Wisconsin native can change some of his ways and help win again, he could be worth a look this season.

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