“AD Can Chill Out”: Former NBA Champion Backs LeBron James’ Past Teammate to Reunite with Him in Lakers

The time has arrived when the Lakers’ winning combination is ready to take the test of time. It is now important for them to lose some ties to bring in stronger potential. After Dennis Schroder’s confirmation into the squad, the clock is now ticking on Tristan Thompson’s arrival.

‘The Ironman’ has been a Cavalier ever since the Cleveland-based franchise picked him fourth overall in 2011. Later, he was joined by LeBron James in 2014 and the two won the NBA title in 2016. Now, that duo might be reunited with the speculations of the Lakers wanting to sign the 29-year-old star. 

How will the Lakers benefit if they sign Tristan Thompson?

In a recent video, Warriors’ former star Matt Barnes heavily backed and recommended Tristan’s name for the Lakers. He said:

“One person I really feel that can help the Lakers is that they can get a Tristan Thompson for the low, just to be that banger, rebounder, he doesn’t need touches, great defense, AD can chill out, so he don’t have to guard top 4/5 on the other team. But I think that a guy that doesn’t need much, does a job, did well with LeBron already, that’ll keep AD to the 4, not having to go to the 5, which he doesn’t want to do. So, watch out for him.”

The last season saw the Lakers heavily relying on their duo of Bron and Davis, and they were fortunate that both the stars delivered. However, they cannot have the same game-plan and hence require some trustworthy names in the starting five. Tristan Thompson easily fits the bill.

What can be the hurdle on the way to this trade?

Tristan’s willingness to leave his parent franchise is not certain. In fact, chances are strong that he would want to retire as a Cavalier. He might like a leadership role where he gets to lead the core of the Cavs. He is coming out of two consecutive seasons where he averaged a double-double. 

Having said that, it is also a fact that Tristan is an unrestricted free agent right now. So if the Lakers (who might as well lose Dwight Howard) show him good money, it will be tough for a Tristan approaching his 30s to deny it.  To add to the speculation, Bron and Tristan had this exchange on Twitter:

Was “more to come” a hint towards a reunion on the court?