Top 5 trade options available with LA Lakers as the trade deadline nears
The LA Lakers remain aggressive in their desire to upgrade their roster. The question is: Which direction will the Lakers go with a limited amount of tradeable assets?
After a disastrous 0-5 start that devolved into a 2-10 record, the Lakers were rapidly trending in the wrong direction. It looked as if the team would need to make massive moves to turn things around.
Since then, the Lakers (11-16) have started to look like a completely different team, but there's still plenty of work to be done. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis playing at an impressive level, the Lakers could make a push towards the playoffs. To do so, the front office may have to acquire one more piece to help this roster.
Here's a look at some potential trade options for the Lakers.
Top 5 potential trade options available for the LA Lakers
#5, Kyle Kuzma
Could there be a potential Los Angeles reunion for Kyle Kuzma? It could appear to be a long shot, but Kuzma would be a big addition.
Kuzma spent the first four seasons of his career with the Lakers. He's been with the Washington Wizards the last two years and has started to see his play reach another level. This year, Kuzma is averaging 21.4 points and 7.5 rebounds while shooting 34.3% from 3-point range.
While a reunion could be unlikely, Kuzma would be a name for the Lakers to seriously consider. He's set to be an expiring contract in 2023-24, with a cap hit of $13 million.
#4, Cam Reddish
A potential "cheaper" option for the Lakers would be New York Knicks wing Cam Reddish. The 23-year-old wing has shown the potential to be one of the NBA's top scoring threats.
Reddish has the talent, but his inconsistent play has left him as a potential trade target. He'd be a worthy roll of the dice for the Lakers, as they need to add talent to their rotation. Reddish is averaging 8.4 ppg in just 21.9 minutes this year.
#3, Terry Rozier
Charlotte Hornets floor general Terry Rozier could be a wild card option for the Lakers. Rozier has been outstanding since arriving to the Hornets in 2019. This season, Rozier is averaging 22.4 ppg, 4.9 rpg and 5.5 apg.
Terry Rozier, whew! 👀
(via @HornetsOnBally)
https://t.co/ZnEFsW9tQQ
The Lakers need help on the offensive side of the ball, and Rozier has shown the ability to fill up the scoring column. Any potential trade for Rozier would most likely have to involve Russell Westbrook in order to match contracts. A trade for Rozier would come with a price, as he's set to be under contract until 2026. He's set to make $21.4 million this season.
#2, Myles Turner
One of the most commonly mentioned trade candidates over the last several seasons has been Indiana Pacers big man Myles Turner.
The Lakers found themselves connected to the Pacers earlier this season. The rumored discussions involved Myles Turner, Buddy Hield and Russell Westbrook as potential trade pieces.
Myles Turner said nope.🚫 https://t.co/INvuh99bJi
Any move for Turner would be a slam dunk for the Lakers. Turner is one of the league's top shot-blocking big men. He's averaging 17.6 ppg, 7.7 rpg and 2.3 bpg while shooting 55.5%.
#1, Bojan Bogdanovic
In the last several weeks, Detroit Pistons wing Bojan Bogdanovic has been a popular name tied to the Lakers. The Lakers won't be alone, as Bogdanovic could be one of the hottest targets on the trade market.
Bojan Bogdanovic GOES OFF for 25 points in the third quarter alone 😱
https://t.co/6SUGfLxYDK
The veteran forward continues to be one of the league's most underrated players. After being acquired via trade from the Utah Jazz this offseason, Bojan has been sensational for the Pistons. He's averaging 21.1 ppg, 3.7 rpg and 2.4 apg while shooting 43.2% from 3-point range.