Lakers Trade Rumors: 3 things to expect before the trade deadline

Ever since the final years of Kobe Bryant's tenure in Los Angeles, the Lakers have been carefully planning their return to the top of the NBA. The organization's plan kicked into effect when the team managed to acquire LeBron James last summer, and there is no debating that the Lakers have drastically improved on the court since the addition of the NBA's biggest star.

While the Lakers have recently struggled due to a number of injuries, (most notably to James) the team is still in contention to reach the postseason for the first time in more than half a decade. The team has substantially improved upon their 35-47 record from the 17/18 season, although the Lakers still need to add one or two players in order to improve their chances of reaching the postseason.

The Lakers evidently have eyes on this summer's upcoming free agency, however, the team is still likely to be active in the trade market this week, and here we will discuss three things to expect.

#3 The team will add another veteran

After the summer acquisition of LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers were expected to add a number of stars around the NBA's best player. Nevertheless, Magic Johnson turned his attention to recruiting a number of veterans including JaVale McGee, Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson, and Tyson Chandler.

It is no secret that the Lakers still want to add another All-Star, however, the acquisition of veteran players is much more likely ahead of the deadline. Signing players to minimum deals will not hinder the Lakers free agency plans, and there a number of experienced players around the NBA that can help the Lakers until the end of the season, such as Carmelo Anthony from the Bulls.