Could and should Lakers have Pelicans’ Zion Williamson on summer radar?

The Lakers might benefit most by steering clear of a risky summer blockbuster to try to boost an already solid roster. But it all depends on how this NBA season ends up, right? Right.

Anyway, Fansided’s Joseph Kallan forecasted a bold trade, with the Lakers shipping out Austin Reaves to snag Pelicans star Zion Williamson, a free agent with a nagging injury history.

“Big names on the trade block always spark Lakers rumors,” Kallan wrote. “This isn’t just talk. They stunned everyone by grabbing Luka Doncic — a move no one predicted. If they’d flip the roster for one superstar, why not double down?”

The pairing of Williamson alongside LeBron James, Kallan suggests, would create a dynamic and dangerous force.

“Zion would be a perfect fit next to LeBron — a downhill powerhouse who can dominate in transition and put relentless pressure on the rim,” he noted. “A LeBron-Zion pairing would force defensive collapses in the paint, creating more open looks on the perimeter for Doncic.”

A potential trade package might include Reaves or Rui Hachimura, along with additional assets. Kallan argued that acquiring Williamson could make for a formidable Big Three in Los Angeles.

That said, the idea of swapping a consistent contributor like Reaves for an injury-prone player like Williamson is fraught with risk. While Williamson’s health has not been a concern this month, his history of setbacks looms large. A hamstring injury in November sidelined him for an extended period, contributing to a downward spiral for the Pelicans.

Since entering the NBA in 2019, Williamson has played in just 214 of New Orleans’ 400 regular-season games. His injury history has fueled skepticism about his long-term future with the Pelicans.

Nevertheless, when healthy, Williamson remains one of the league’s most dynamic and explosive players. This season, he is averaging 24.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game while shooting 56.7% from the field. His ability to dominate the paint offensively and defensively is undeniable.

A potential trio of LeBron, Williamson, and Doncic could undoubtedly be one of the most formidable in the NBA today. But for the Lakers, the risks involved in acquiring an injury-prone player like Williamson — especially at the cost of a rising star like Reaves — may not be the wisest decision as they look to build a sustainable championship contender.